By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has pledged sustained support for military veterans through skills acquisition and empowerment initiatives aimed at improving their welfare, promoting economic independence and enhancing their quality of life.
Oluyede gave the assurance during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Skills Acquisition Training for Veterans in the South-West geopolitical zone, organised by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Veteran Affairs Division at Headquarters 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to an official statement signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director Defence Information, the CDS, who was represented by the Director, Veterans Affairs Directorate, DHQ, Major General OD Williams, reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to supporting veterans in recognition of their sacrifices and service to the nation.
He urged participants to take full advantage of the training by applying the skills acquired to establish productive ventures, generate income and provide sustainable livelihoods for their families.
The programme, themed “Enhancing Veterans’ Capacity Building Through Sustained Skill Acquisition Training for Enhanced National Development,” is designed to equip participants with practical skills that would enable them to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The training covers poultry farming, fishery, snail farming, animal husbandry, livestock management and modern agricultural techniques, providing participants with opportunities to develop viable businesses in the agricultural sector.
Oluyede also highlighted the DHQ’s partnership with Konga/Zinox to provide serving military personnel and veterans with access to subsidised purchasing options to cushion the effects of prevailing economic challenges.
He assured veterans that the Defence Headquarters would continue to introduce programmes and initiatives to improve their welfare and living conditions, reiterating that their well-being remained an important priority of the Armed Forces.
The CDS further emphasised the importance of translating the knowledge gained from the training into sustainable economic activities that would strengthen household income, promote self-reliance and support broader national development efforts.
The initiative forms part of the Defence Headquarters’ efforts to sustain support for military veterans and provide them with opportunities to remain economically active after their years of service to the nation.
