The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has commenced a four-day Skill Acquisition Training for Veterans (SAT-V) in the North Central geopolitical zone and the Federal Capital Territory as part of efforts to enhance the economic empowerment and post-service welfare of retired personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
According to an official signed statement by the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the training, which is being held from 14 to 17 July 2026 at the Headquarters 22 Brigade, Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin, Kwara State, is organised by the Veterans Affairs Directorate of the Defence Headquarters to equip veterans with practical and entrepreneurial skills for sustainable livelihoods after military service.
Declaring the programme open, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, GCOR, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the welfare of veterans and a reflection of the Armed Forces’ enduring commitment to personnel who devoted their careers to defending the nation.
General Oluyede said the theme of the training, “Enhancing Veterans’ Capacity Building through Sustained Skill Acquisition Training for Enhanced National Development,” highlights the importance of empowering retired military personnel to remain productive contributors to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
The CDS noted that the programme aligns with his leadership philosophy, which places priority on personnel welfare and sound administration. He encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity by acquiring practical vocational and entrepreneurial skills that would enable them to build successful businesses, improve their livelihoods and remain economically self-reliant after retirement.
General Oluyede, who was represented at the opening ceremony by the Director of Veterans Affairs, Major General O.D. Williams, emphasised that the knowledge gained during the training would not only benefit the veterans and their families but also contribute to national development through increased economic productivity.
The Skill Acquisition Training for Veterans is designed to provide retired service personnel with the technical expertise and entrepreneurial competencies required to establish sustainable enterprises and secure alternative sources of income, reinforcing the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to improving the welfare and long-term well-being of military veterans.
