Troops Of 3 Division COAS Personnel Empowerment Loan Scheme, Financial Independence

Troops Of 3 Division COAS Personnel Empowerment Loan Scheme, Financial Independence

The troops of 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) have been sensitized on the Upward Review of the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme Benfund Premium and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Personnel Empowerment Loan Scheme.

Welcoming the NA personnel to the programme held at Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army auditorium, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General AE Abubakar, said the initiative was a unique and significant step conceptualized by the Nigerian Army towards its commitment to improving the quality of life and financial stability of its personnel. He added that the sensitization will afford participants the opportunity to ask salient questions and clarify grey areas towards impacting on their financial benefits and welfare.

Represented by the 3 Division Training Officer, Brigadier General A Aminu, the GOC disclosed that soldiers have consistently demonstrated unparalleled dedication, professionalism and resilience in safeguarding the nation against security threats, thereby making it imperative to focus on the welfare and financial empowerment of personnel in line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja NAM.

He added, that the updated schemes are designed to address the myriad financial challenges that personnel face, ranging from housing needs, educational expenses for their children, medical emergencies and entrepreneurial ventures. The GOC maintained that Army Headquarters understands that providing better access to financial resources would alleviate the financial burdens that could distract troops from performing their primary responsibilities.

The GOC appreciated the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja NAM for reviewing the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme and introducing numerous empowerment loans schemes to Nigerian Army personnel to further enhance financial independence and motivate troops towards optimal performance, while confronting the dynamic security challenges in various theatres of operations.

He further urged officers and soldiers of 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN to take the sensitization programme seriously in order to attain a fulfilled career in the Nigerian Army through financial Independence.

Delivering the first lecture, titled “The Upward Review of Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme and Benevolent Fund”, the Director Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme, Brigadier General MS Adamu stated that, NAWIS is a welfare scheme established by the Nigerian Army (NA) to meet the needs and aspirations of its personnel. He added that the scheme was designed to provide financial support to soldiers and their families during challenging times of injury or death and other unforeseen circumstances

Also speaking during the second lecture, the Director Directorate of Non-Public Funds, Brigadier General I Sule, in his lecture titled, “The Chief of Army Staff’s Personnel Empowerment Loan Scheme”, said the Chief of Army Staff has in his magnanimity approved various loan schemes to help cushions the welfare needs of troops. He noted that, the loans once received can be used in agricultural venture, education of children and stock investment among others. He further explained the detailed steps on the proper channel of application and limitations of the applications.

Highlights of the sensitization lecture were the interactive session and group photograph.