An estimated 542 military officers are officially retiring from the military after having served for 35 years with the Nigerian Armed Forces. They included personnel who were part of their respective units: the Nigerian Army, Navy as well as the Air Force and were presented with awards during a formal celebration which was held on the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre located in Oshodi, Lagos.
The event was a send-off ceremony that brought to an end decades in active duty for these officers. Many of them participated in important National security missions over the decades. The emotions were high when they raised the Nigerian flag once more as a symbol which brought their lengthy mission to a sympathetic conclusion.
According to the Commander of the Center, Air Vice Marshal Adeniyi amodu The officers who retired did not just receive training in operational military, they were well-prepared for the life following the military service. A lot of them have gained new knowledge in agriculture or business management as well as professional trades.
Of the retirees of 542, 362 worked in the Army, 134 with the Navy as well as 46 with the Air Force.
Flashback: 2023’s Government’s Initiative to Reintegrate Veterans
The retirement ceremony is a year after the federal government began rolling new resettlement programs designed to help veterans transition to civilian living. In 2023, nearly 1,000 former service members were provided with start-up kits and were enrolled in retraining courses to help reduce in the number of people who are unemployed and poor among retired military. The program has now led to many becoming prosperous small business owners.
Rewind to the current The Event
The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa has praised retired soldiers for their dedication and professionalism. They were urged to be the role models for the communities they live in and utilize their experiences to help promote peace and harmony.
The officer reminded them that even though they were stripped of their uniforms, they had the obligation of defending their values as members and principles of the Armed Forces. Family members of the officers were present, taking part with them the emotion and pride which culminated in a closing salute.
The retirees were presented with an award and post-service kit to assist them in starting their new lives. A few expressed a desire to go into farming, while others chose the field of community and business development.
The Armed Forces Resettlement Centre said they will continue to help veterans with the provision of training and support services.
