DHQ holds retreat for military veterans to foster unity, welfare and national service

A one-day strategic retreat with the leadership of various military veterans’ associations, organised by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has ended with a call on veterans to uphold the values of discipline, loyalty and patriotism for which the Nigerian military is renowned.

The meeting, held at the Army Headquarters Command Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja, was organised in collaboration with the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association of Nigeria (RANAO). It provided a platform for dialogue, collaboration and renewed commitment to the welfare of retired personnel who dedicated their lives to the defence of Nigeria.

In his address at the meeting, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to sustaining open dialogue with military veterans, stressing that engagement remains the most effective approach to resolving concerns affecting retired personnel.

Represented by the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the CDS noted that, under his leadership, veterans’ welfare remains one of the top priorities of the Defence Headquarters and assured participants that efforts are ongoing to ensure the implementation of the recently approved salary increase and corresponding pension adjustments through the appropriate statutory processes.

The CDS, who commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the welfare of members of the Armed Forces, urged veterans to remain patient and continue to uphold the values of discipline, loyalty and patriotism for which the Nigerian military is renowned.

He assured them that the Defence Headquarters would continue to pursue improved healthcare, timely pension payments and better welfare packages for retired personnel.

The retreat, according to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Ismaila Uba, underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation among veterans’ organisations while encouraging retired personnel to remain active partners in nation-building by mentoring younger generations and supporting initiatives that promote national unity and security.