The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to the welfare and dignity of Nigeria’s veterans during an interactive session with retired personnel from the Northeast Zone in Yola, Adamawa State, the second in a series of planned zonal consultations.
Addressing concerns over salary increments, Oluyede assured veterans the exercise is fully inclusive, explaining that implementation is ongoing and that adjustments to serving personnel’s pay carry a consequential increase to veterans’ pensions under existing policy.
He outlined ongoing welfare initiatives, including a partnership with the Bank of Industry to give serving and retired personnel and their families access to low interest business loans, alongside the construction of a Defence Hospital that will reserve a share of its capacity for veterans. He said both initiatives carry the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Commander in Chief.
Veterans used the session to raise other welfare concerns, which the CDS addressed directly, promising continued attention going forward.
The engagement drew veteran leaders including RANAO President Major General HA Salihu (rtd), Major General LP Ngubane (rtd) and Air Vice Marshal NE Nzokala (rtd), with the RANAO President thanking the CDS and urging fellow veterans to support the leadership’s welfare efforts.
Closing the session, Oluyede paid tribute to the veterans’ sacrifices, saying the nation’s gratitude for those who served will never fade.
By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed
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