By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) that concrete and far-reaching steps are being taken to improve their welfare, describing the reform process as ongoing and enjoying strong support at the highest level of government.
General Oluyede gave the assurance while addressing personnel at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Social Night, a special event organised by the Defence Headquarters to honour serving personnel and veterans, as well as to remember fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation.
In an official statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the CDS urged military personnel to remain resolute, hopeful and steadfast, reassuring them that positive changes were imminent. He expressed confidence that the year 2026 would usher in improved welfare conditions for members of the Armed Forces, in line with ongoing reforms across the defence sector.
Beyond the welfare of serving personnel, General Oluyede stressed that the Defence Headquarters is equally concerned about the wellbeing of retired officers and men, particularly the challenge of sustainable engagement after retirement. He disclosed that, with the approval and support of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Defence Headquarters is engaging financial institutions to provide soft loan schemes for spouses of service personnel at highly reduced interest rates.
According to the CDS, the initiative is aimed at supporting viable business ventures, promoting family stability and guaranteeing long-term livelihoods for military families. He further announced ongoing engagements to expand access to housing loans to complement existing housing schemes of the respective Services, with the objective of ensuring that personnel retire with personal homes, sustainable sources of income and a sense of fulfilment after years of dedicated service to the nation.
In a symbolic message of reassurance, the CDS drew inspiration from football, invoking the famous Liverpool Football Club anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” to emphasise that the Armed Forces leadership remains firmly committed to standing by both serving and retired personnel. He commended officers and men for their resilience, courage and professionalism across all theatres of operation, from the northern savannahs to the southern creeks and Nigeria’s airspace.
General Oluyede also paid tribute to military families, describing them as “silent heroes” whose patience, prayers and sacrifices continue to sustain the morale and fighting spirit of the Armed Forces. He expressed profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief for his unwavering commitment to strengthening the operational capability, welfare and morale of the military, and commended the Service Chiefs for their leadership and dedication to duty.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Administration (CDA), Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, described the Social Night as a deliberate and special gathering designed to give personnel the opportunity to unwind, reflect and celebrate. He noted that the occasion also provided a solemn moment to honour and remember fallen heroes whose sacrifices, he said, remain a timeless source of inspiration to serving personnel.
The Social Night formed part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day. In attendance were the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu; the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. Abbas; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal S. K. Aneke; and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General E. A. P. Undiandeye, alongside senior officers, veterans and invited guests.
Highpoints of the event included musical performances by renowned Nigerian artistes, including Tuface Idibia, Zule Zoo and Magnito, adding colour and entertainment to a night dedicated to unity, remembrance and appreciation of the nation’s armed forces.
