Defence Chief announces plans for veterans’ hospitals across six geopolitical zones, says initiative will support retired officers’ healthcare and post-service businesses
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of retired military personnel, promising better access to healthcare and low-interest loans to support their businesses after service.
Oluyede gave the assurance on Friday during an engagement and interactive session with military veterans from the South-South geopolitical zone at Cathelea Convention and Suites in Benin City, Edo State.
He said the meeting was part of his initiative to engage directly with retired military personnel on issues concerning their welfare, administration and post-service challenges.
The CDS described the forum as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and veterans, while drawing on their experience and professional expertise to improve veterans’ administration and welfare.
He stressed that the welfare of retired personnel and their families remained a priority, urging the veterans to continue to serve as good ambassadors of the Armed Forces in their respective communities.
Oluyede also briefed the veterans on ongoing efforts to acquire modern military platforms and force enablers, disclosing that some of the equipment had already arrived in the country and would enhance military operations.
On post-retirement support, the Defence Chief said plans were underway to facilitate access to low-interest loans from the Bank of Industry to enable veterans to establish or expand businesses.
He further highlighted improvements in medical services, including the expansion of the military hospital in Abuja, where a percentage of its facilities would be reserved for veterans.
According to him, there are also plans to establish dedicated medical facilities for retired military personnel in each of the six geopolitical zones.
During the interactive session, the veterans raised concerns about gratuity computation, pension-related issues and access to medical care, among other welfare matters. Oluyede addressed the concerns raised.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association (RANAO), Colonel Tony Ogbomo (rtd.), commended the CDS for his commitment to the welfare of veterans and their families.
Ogbomo particularly praised the proposed establishment of dedicated military hospitals across the six geopolitical zones and the planned low-interest loan scheme to support veterans’ businesses after retirement.
The engagement forms part of Oluyede’s broader initiative to strengthen support for retired military personnel. He had earlier held similar meetings with veterans from the South-West and North-Central geopolitical zones, with plans to extend the consultations to other parts of the country.