By Sumaila Ogbaje
Women Against Terrorism and Insurgency (WATI), a Non-governmental Organisation, has described the Armed Forces of Nigeria Personnel Online Discount Shop as a practical intervention to strengthen troop welfare.
WATI said the initiative could ease the economic burden on serving military personnel, veterans and their families by improving access to essential goods and services.
The Convener of WATI, Dr. Veronica Bazuaye, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Bazuaye said the technology-driven platform, introduced by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), had the potential to provide meaningful relief to members of the Armed Forces community.
She said military personnel operated in demanding environments, making sustained welfare support for them and their families critical to morale and institutional effectiveness.
According to her, the inclusion of veterans and their dependants in the scheme further broadens its potential impact.
WATI convener said the platform could reduce the cost of essential items and improve access to goods through partnerships between the military and private-sector vendors.
She said the organisation also welcomed plans by the DHQ to expand the scheme to accommodate more vendors and product categories.
According to her, such expansion will enhance the reach and long-term value of the initiative to beneficiaries across the country.
“WATI commends the DHQ and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for introducing the initiative,” she said.
Bazuaye said the collaboration between the DHQ and Zinox Group had demonstrated how public-private collaboration could address specific welfare needs.
She said attention to personnel welfare should complement ongoing military operations against terrorism, insurgency and other security challenges.
According to her, sustained welfare support can contribute to the effectiveness, resilience and professionalism of the Armed Forces.
Bazuaye expressed hope that the scheme would be efficiently implemented and progressively expanded to enable eligible beneficiaries nationwide to access its benefits.
She expressed the organisation’s reaffirmed its support for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of serving personnel, veterans and their families. (NAN)
Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
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