By Harriet Tornguvan
The Defence Headquarters has concluded a three-day skills acquisition programme for military veterans across the North-East, aimed at improving their economic resilience and overall wellbeing amid the country’s challenging economic climate.
The training, held from November 19–21 at the 23 Brigade Officers’ Mess, Gibson Jalo Cantonment, Yola, brought together retired personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) for capacity-building sessions designed to support their post-service livelihoods.
According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations for Sector 4 Operation Hadin Kai/23 Brigade, Captain Olusegun Abidoye, this year’s programme was themed “Empowering Veterans Through Skills Acquisition for Capacity Building and Sustainability.”
Representing the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, AFM, the Director of the Veteran Affairs Division, Major General Oluwafemi Williams, said the initiative provides veterans with practical knowledge and income-generating skills essential for a meaningful life after active service.
He explained that the training covered a wide array of vocational skills, livestock management, financial literacy and business opportunity identification, all aimed at tackling long-standing concerns about veterans’ welfare and enhancing their quality of life.
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Amos Edgar, commended the Defence Headquarters for prioritizing veterans’ economic empowerment. He noted that the programme would have a significant impact on the livelihoods of ex-service personnel in the North-East and encouraged participants to make full use of the expertise provided by facilitators.
Major General Williams, represented by Brigadier General Caius Baushe, reiterated the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to the welfare of serving and retired military personnel. He said the initiative addresses the inadequate preparation many veterans face upon retirement and is designed to strengthen their capacity for sustainable income generation.
Highlights of the closing ceremony included lectures by seasoned facilitators, presentation of certificates to participants, and souvenirs to invited guests, followed by a group photograph.
Dignitaries at the event included Dr. Amos Edgar, Chief of Staff to the Adamawa State Governor; the Acting Commander, Sector 4 Operation Hadin Kai/Commander 23 Brigade, Brigadier General Amechi Agwu, who represented the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division Nigerian Army; and the Commander, 153 Base Services Group, Group Captain M.M. Muazu, among others.
