Collaborative Support and Involvement Of The Citizens Crucial In Providing Security — COAS

Collaborative Support and Involvement Of The Citizens Crucial In Providing Security — COAS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has reiterated that security is not exclusively the duty of the nation’s security forces, as the collaborative support and involvement of all citizens are crucial. The COAS made the call, when he declared opened a week-long Second Quarter Year 2025 Veteran Affairs Pre- Retirement Training and Business Development Seminar for 6 and 82 Divisions at the Niger Delta Development Commission, Event Centre, Port Harcourt today 5 May 2025.

The COAS, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah restated that leveraging the services of serving/retired as well as discharged personnel, with deep understanding of the security architecture of the country will really facilitate effective security management in their communities and across the country.

Lieutenant General Oluyede maintained that the Pre-Retirement and Business Development seminar was designed for personal scheduled to retire within the next few years, to foster a positive mindset towards post retirement. Additionally, he stressed, it will expose them to potential business ventures and equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to enable them transition into civilian life. He further said, it will also expose them to entrepreneurial opportunities. This he maintained will enhance their wellbeing after retirement.

Speaking at the event, the Sole Administrator Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas commended the Nigerian Army for organizing the seminar. He added that the seminar was organized to train tri-Services personnel and other security agencies in the State. This, he said is commendable.

The Sole Administrator, was represented by the Acting Head of Service, Rivers State, Dr Iringi Brown, who commended the military for their sacrifices to nation building. She urged the participants to pay attention as the seminar provides an opportunity for value addition.

While marking his remarks, the Deputy Chief of Administration, Veterans Affairs, Major General Uriah Opene, who represented the Chief of Administration, commended the organisers for the insight to have organised the seminar for the benefit of NA personnel and veterans. He was optimistic that the seminar will enable the personnel to make best of the business ideas that will enhance their life after service. He therefore, urged them to make use of the knowledge acquired to better their lives after retirement.

Earlier, while delivering, his welcome address, the GOC, who was represented by Brigadier General Sani Ahmed stated that the seminar provided unique opportunity for the participants to consolidate and address the gaps in the employment of the Nigerian Army personnel and veterans in capacity building, particularly on skill acquisition. He advised the participants to use the training to prepare adequately for life after service. This he averred is part of Pre- Retirement Training/ Business Development strategy. He further said the seminar will also boost the morale of the NA personnel and veterans, and above all give them a sense of belonging.

There were several papers presented, which dovetailed into an interactive session, where questions and contributions were entertained. The seminar had participants drawn from the Nigerian Army, sister Services, veterans as well as other security agencies.