By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has unveiled plans to provide low-interest loans to military veterans to support post-service businesses, alongside the establishment of dedicated military hospitals across the six geopolitical zones to improve access to healthcare.
Oluyede also disclosed plans to expand medical services for retired military personnel, including reserving a percentage of facilities at the expanded military hospital in Abuja for veterans.
The Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, following an engagement meeting and interactive session between the CDS and military veterans from the South-South Geopolitical Zone in Benin City, Edo State.
The meeting, held at Cathelea Convention and Suites, provided an opportunity for the CDS to interact directly with retired military personnel on issues relating to their welfare, administration and post-service challenges.
According to the statement, the proposed loan scheme, to be facilitated through the Bank of Industry, is expected to provide veterans with financial support to establish and expand businesses after retirement.
The CDS reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of veterans and their families in recognition of their sacrifices and contributions to national security.
He described the engagement as a platform for constructive interaction and improved synergy, noting that the Armed Forces could benefit from the wealth of experience and professional expertise of retired personnel in shaping policies on veterans’ administration and welfare.
Oluyede urged the veterans to remain good ambassadors of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in their respective communities, while assuring them that their concerns would continue to receive attention.
He also briefed them on ongoing efforts to acquire modern military platforms and force enablers, some of which have started arriving in the country and are expected to strengthen military operations.
During the interactive session, the veterans raised concerns bordering on gratuity computation, pension-related matters and access to medical services, among other issues.
The CDS, according to the statement, promptly addressed the concerns raised and reiterated the military leadership’s commitment to ensuring improved welfare for retired personnel.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association (RANAO), Colonel Tony Ogbomo (rtd), commended the CDS for his sustained attention to the welfare of veterans and their families.
Ogbomo particularly praised the proposed establishment of dedicated military hospitals in each geopolitical zone and the planned low-interest loan scheme, describing them as important interventions towards addressing the post-service challenges of retired personnel.
The engagement is part of a nationwide initiative by the CDS to strengthen relations with military veterans and harness their experience towards improving national defence and security.
The statement recalled that similar engagements had recently been held with veterans from the South-West and North-Central geopolitical zones, adding that the exercise would continue across the country.
