Armed Forces Of Nigeria Host Maiden Veterans Stakeholders Forum, Focus On Enhancing Veteran Welfare and Future Prospects

Armed Forces Of Nigeria Host Maiden Veterans Stakeholders Forum, Focus On Enhancing Veteran Welfare and Future Prospects

The Defence Headquarters organized the inaugural Armed Forces of Nigeria Veterans Stakeholders Forum with the theme “The Nigerian Armed Forces Veterans in the Next Decade.” Held at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai Auditorium in the Army War College Nigeria, Asokoro, Abuja, the two-day event commenced on June 25, 2024, and will conclude on June 26, 2024. The forum’s primary aim is to enhance the welfare and future prospects of Nigerian military veterans.

The Special Guest of Honour (SGOH), the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, represented by Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shettima, Director of Plans Defence Headquarters, delivered a keynote address. In his speech, the CDS highlighted the significance of the forum in recognizing the dedication and sacrifices of veterans, and emphasized the need for continuous efforts to improve their welfare. He acknowledged recent strides, such as the disbursement of the Security Debarment Allowance, a 20% increase in pension rates, and the inclusion of veterans in federal palliative programs, as notable achievements under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“Your presence here today underscores our collective dedication to the well- being of our veterans,” General Musa added. He acknowledged the ongoing efforts and achievements in veteran welfare, such as various scholarship and educational programs for orphans, pre- and post-retirement programs, and medical interventions. The CDS also noted the establishment of a committee to develop a long-term strategic roadmap for veteran administration, with studies conducted in the UK, and planned visits to Egypt and the USA for additional perspectives.

The forum will address several critical issues, including governance in veteran administration, health and well-being, skills development, post-service employment, legal matters, and the protection and security of veterans. General Musa urged participants to engage in objective and professional deliberations, assuring them that the outcomes will guide future improvements in veteran administration.

The two-day forum will feature a series of lectures addressing critical topics such as “Evolving the Vibrant Governance Structure for Veteran Administration,” “Issues and Challenges in Healthcare,” and “The Wellbeing of Veterans,” among others.

These lectures aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current challenges and potential solutions in veteran administration, focusing on enhancing governance, improving healthcare services, and ensuring the overall well-being of veterans. Through these discussions, the forum seeks to develop actionable strategies to better support veterans in the coming decade.

While appreciating the Special Guest of Honour, the Director of Veteran Affairs Defence Headquarters, Major General DI Salihu, who also serves as the Chairman Organizing Committee, expressed gratitude to the SGOH for his presence. General Salihu emphasized the significance of the forum in addressing veteran issues, highlighting the collaborative efforts needed to implement the outcomes of the discussions. He presented a souvenir to the SGOH as a token of appreciation, underscoring the forum’s role in fostering cooperation and tangible progress in veteran welfare initiatives.

The forum signifies a significant step towards ensuring the well-being and recognition of Nigerian military veterans, aligning with the Armed Forces’ commitment to nurturing a professional and people-centric military.