BY PHILIP NWOSU
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yusuf said the Nigerian Army is making effort to re-engage the services of qualified retired personnel of the force, to tap from their wealth of experience and achieve the force achieve its goals.
General Yusuf spoke at the fourth quarter year 2022 Veteran Affairs Directorate seminar which held at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) Oshodi, insisting that those experiences and expertise would be relevant to enhance the fighting efficiency of the Army troops in its numerous ongoing operations.
He said: “The Army is still open to your invaluable contributions towards attaining her constitutional mandate and would always welcome your support. In this regard, you are welcome to Fourth Quarter Year 2022 Veteran Affairs Seminar/Workshop attend our functions and sessions in order to continue to extend your fellowship to your colleagues you left in Service.”
General Yahaya reaffirmed his commitment to achieving his vision “to have a professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of Nigeria”, adding that he plans to achieve this vision by upholding his command pillars of Professionalism, Readiness, Administration and Cooperation in steering the affairs of the force at all levels.
The Army Chief urged the retired personnel of Nigerian Army to play your respective roles in accomplishing this vision, even inretirement. According to CS Lewis “You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream”.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Obinna Ajunwa said the concept interacting with retired personnel is expected to boost the morale of Nigerian Army veterans and give them a sense of belonging while enhancing their productivity/welfare in retirement.
General Ajunwa charged the participants to see the seminar as another opportunity to learn something new as they remain partners in securing Nigeria. He said he is convinced that the participants will leave the seminar better informed and equipped with the requisite knowledge to further contribute to community base security in the country. During the workshop, several well-packaged and thought-provoking lectures were delivered.
The workshop it was learnt was organized in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s initiative to constantly engage military veterans to strategize on new tactics and innovations to tackle security challenges in the country
The Special Guest of Honour Commandant Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre Air Vice Marshall Idi Gamso Lubo in his keynote address disclosed that the seminar was to consolidate on the gains of the previous edition while addressing gaps in the employment of NA veterans in information gathering and other supporting roles to military operations.
He added that the seminar was also expected to boost the morale of NA Veterans and give them a sense of belonging while enhancing their productivity/ welfare in retirement.