By Harriet Tornguvan
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) that concrete and sustained measures are being implemented to enhance their welfare, with strong backing from the highest levels of government.
General Oluyede gave the assurance while addressing personnel at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Social Night, organised by the Defence Headquarters to honour serving personnel, veterans and fallen heroes.
He urged troops to remain resolute, hopeful and steadfast, assuring them that positive changes were imminent and that 2026 would usher in improved welfare conditions for members of the Armed Forces. According to him, the welfare reform process is ongoing and receiving the necessary institutional and political support.
The CDS said the Defence Headquarters is equally committed to the wellbeing of retired officers and men, particularly in addressing the challenge of sustainable engagement after retirement. He disclosed that, with the approval and support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, engagements are underway with financial institutions to provide soft loan schemes for spouses of service personnel at highly reduced interest rates.
He explained that the initiative is aimed at supporting viable business ventures, promoting family stability and ensuring long-term livelihoods for military families. General Oluyede also announced ongoing efforts to expand access to housing loans to complement existing housing schemes across the Services, with the goal of ensuring that personnel retire with personal homes, sustainable sources of income and a sense of fulfilment after years of dedicated service to the nation.
Drawing inspiration from football, the CDS reassured troops with Liverpool Football Club’s famous motto, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” stressing that the Armed Forces leadership remains firmly committed to standing by both serving and retired personnel.
He commended officers and men of the Armed Forces for their resilience, courage and professionalism across all theatres of operation, from the northern savannahs to the southern creeks and Nigeria’s airspace. He also paid tribute to military families, describing them as “silent heroes” whose patience, prayers and sacrifices continue to sustain the morale and fighting spirit of the Armed Forces.
General Oluyede expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to strengthening the operational capability, welfare and morale of the Armed Forces. He also commended the Service Chiefs for their leadership and strategic contributions, while thanking the organisers of the Social Night for hosting an event that reflected unity, remembrance and appreciation.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Administration (CDA), Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, described the Social Night as a deliberate initiative to provide personnel with an opportunity to unwind, reflect and celebrate. He noted that the occasion also served as a solemn moment to honour fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in the defence of the nation, stressing that their sacrifices remain a lasting source of inspiration to serving personnel.
Dignitaries at the event included the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. Abbas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal S. K. Aneke; and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General E. A. P. Undiandeye. The evening was enlivened by performances from renowned music icons, including Tuface Idibia, Zule Zoo and Magnito.
