CDS hails military veterans on sacrifices, pledges continuous support
By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has commended the Nigerian military veterans for their sacrifices and dedication to peace and security as well as the Armed Forces’ development.
Musa, represented by the Director of Plans, Defence Headquarters, Rear Adm. Ibrahim Shettima, gave the commendation at the maiden Armed Forces of Nigeria Veterans Stakeholders Forum, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The forum has the theme “The Nigerian Armed Forces Veterans in the Next Decade” and was aimed at enhancing the welfare and future prospects of Nigerian military veterans.
The CDS said the significance of the forum was in recognising the dedication and sacrifices of veterans, and emphasised the need for continuous efforts to improve their welfare.
He said the Federal Government had made recent strides.
Musa listed these to include the disbursement of the Security Debarment Allowance, a 20 percent increase in pension rates, and the inclusion of veterans in federal palliative programmes.
“The developments are notable achievements under President Bola Tinubu’s administration,” he said.
The CDS further said the forum underscores the collective dedication to the well-being of the veterans.
He commended ongoing efforts and achievements in veterans’ welfare, such as various scholarship and educational programmes for orphans, pre- and post-retirement programmes, and medical interventions.
Musa added that establishing a committee to develop a long-term strategic roadmap for veterans’ administration, with studies conducted in the UK, and planned visits to Egypt and U.S. were additional perspectives.
“The forum will be addressing several critical issues, including governance in veterans’ administration, health and well-being, skills development, post-service employment, legal matters, and the protection and security of veterans.”
Musa urged participants to engage in objective and professional deliberations, assuring them that the outcomes would guide future improvements in veterans’ administration.
On his part, the Director, Veterans Affairs, Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Danladi Salihu, expressed gratitude to the CDS for the improved veterans’ welfare initiative.
Salihu said the forum would help in addressing veterans issues, highlighting the collaborative efforts needed to implement the outcomes of the discussions.
“The forum signifies a giant step towards ensuring the well-being and recognition of Nigerian military veterans, aligning with the armed forces’ commitment to nurturing a professional and people-centric military,” he said.
The National Chairman of Nigerian Legion, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin, thanked the CDS for bringing the veterans together to interact and share views and experiences.
Jibrin said the forum was a step in the right direction and would assist the government and their serving colleagues to see through the veterans what the future held for them.
He also thanked the government for its efforts towards an enhanced welfare of the veterans.
“This occasion, organised by the CDS, is to help get together all the ideas that we share to assist them in planning the roadmap for the well-being of all veterans and those coming behind us,” Jibrin said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba and Abiemwense Moru
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