By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chairman, Military Pensions Board (MPB), AVM Abubakar Adamu, has reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu and the board to inclusive leadership and improved welfare for retired service personnel.

Adamu gave the assurance on Thursday, at an interactive session with the military veterans in Abuja.

He commended the Federal Government  for prioritizing the welfare of pensioners, especially through prompt pension payments and release of salary increments.

The chairman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet with veterans, describing it as “an honour to host those who laid the foundation for today’s Armed Forces.”

He emphasised that his leadership style would be collaborative and transparent, with an open-door policy to engage with all veteran associations across the federation.

He noted that the session marked his first full month in office.

“I believe no one has a monopoly of knowledge. With your advice, support, and cooperation, we can move the Board to a greater height.

“We are here because of you. Without veterans, there is no Board,” he said.

Adamu acknowledged ongoing challenges and urged veterans to voice their concerns freely, assuring attendees that concerns beyond the board’s purview would be escalated to the appropriate authorities.

He also praised the support of the Minister of Defence, noting his responsiveness to veteran-related matters.

In his comment, retired Air Commodore Isaac Oguntuyi, Chairman, Ministry of Defence Veteran Welfare Committee, lauded the initiative, describing it as the first of its kind in over three years.

Oguntuyi called for frank discussions and unity among veterans, particularly in light of the upcoming Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN) meeting.

“This is our chance to set the agenda, not just for the Board but for ourselves as veteran associations,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the session included participation from key veteran groups and board directors.

Several complaints, submissions and suggestions were made during the interaction, where the chairman promised to look into, with a view to addressing them. (NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola