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By Godwin Chukwumaechi
The Nigerian Army on Monday opened its Second Quarter Pre-Retirement Training and Business Development Seminar for its personnel.
The one week-long training, with the theme: “Leveraging Business Development Strategies for Effective Empowerment of Service Personnel and Veterans in Post-retirement Life”, was designed for both veterans and personnel nearing retirement.
Declaring the session open, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede stated that the training had continued to build on previous seminars and contribution of Nigerian Army personnel and veterans in the pursuit of National Security while promoting their overall wellbeing in all aspects.
The COAS, represented by the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Ejims Emekah, pointed out that the training was in tandem with his command philosophy which aims to consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards recruiting a well motivated and combat ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibility within a joint and multi-agency environment.
He emphasised that veterans remained vital pillars of society, offering liberal experience that continued to strengthen national security and development.
“Their sacrifice and wealth of knowledge serve as a guiding force for corporate and social generations. Consequently the Nigerian Army is committed to ensuring that its personnel preparing to retire from service are equipped with diverse forms of training to enhance their welfare and wellbeing long after leaving service,” he said.
The COAS also pointed out that the training was designed for personnel preparing to retire within the next few years, to foster a positive mindset towards post-retirement life and expose them to potential business ventures. It also seeks to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to enable transition smoothly into civilian life and expose them into entrepreneurial opportunities.
“This informed the theme of this seminar, which is Leveraging Business Development Strategies for Effective Empowerment of Service Personnel and Veterans in Post-retirement Life.
“The theme is germane given the constant evolution of the political and economic environment of the country, particularly as we deal with diverse security threats and the impacts on the well-being of citizens across the nation.
“It is therefore pertinent to emphasise that security is not exclusively the duty of the national security forces and the collaborative support of all citizens are crucial.
“Similarly, leveraging the expertise of our serving and retired and as well discharged personnel with deep understanding of the security architecture of the country will greatly facilitate effective security management in their various communities and across the country.
“As we continue to engage in forums like this, we also provide the opportunity to evaluate, reflect and assess our overall wellbeing. I therefore urge you all to utilize this opportunity provided by this training and seminar to renew our commitment to the general security of our beloved country,” Oluyede stated.
He also thanked President Ahmed Tinubu for his unalloyed support for the Nigerian Army and Security forces and pledged the continued commitment of the Army towards National Security.
He also expressed gratitude to the Army headquarters, the 6 Division and the organizing committee for their efforts in making the training a success.
In his Keynote Address, the Chief of Administration Army, Maj Gen Lawrence Fejokwu, represented by the Commander Veteran Affairs, Maj Gen Uriah Opuene, noted that the training had continued to leverage the achievements and success of the previous seminars as well as inputs in other Nigerian Army Personnel and Veterans in the pursuit of National Development and Security while enhancing their personal and general well-being in all ramifications.
He said: “The second quarter veterans affairs pre-retirement training/business development seminar will therefore focus on the imperatives of the Nigerian Army personnel, veterans towards a more rewarding post-military service life.
“The theme is apt given the current operational environment in Nigeria, particularly as we deal with series of security impasse across the country. It is therefore pertinent to state that security is not the sole prerogative of the Nation’s security apparatus. The collaborative effort of all securities is very key.”
On his part, the General Officer Commanding GOC, 6 Division, Brig. Gen. Eric Emekah, represented by the Garrison Commander 6 Division, Maj. Gen Sani Ahmed, stated that the seminar is expected to consolidate on the gains of the first quarter edition, while addressing gaps in the employment of Nigerian Army personnel and veterans in capacity building and skills acquisition as part of pre-retirement training development strategy.
The GOC said; “It is also expected to boost the moral of Nigerian Army personnel and veterans and give them a sense of belonging while engaging their productivity and wellbeing in retirement. The knowledge you will acquire from here will enable you function optimally in various capacities in the society”, he said.
He added that the theme was apt in preparing retiring personnel in post-service life, pointing out that army personnel have vital roles to play in enhancing the safety and security of life in communities they reside the the country at large. He, therefore urged participants to make good use of the knowledge they would acquire in course of the training as it would mould them into strong pillars in the communities they would find themselves after retirement.
In his speech, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), represented by the Rivers State Acting Head of Service, Dr. Iyingi Brown, commended the Army for the training saying it would give participants insight on how to navigate successfully into civilian life.
He also thanked the Nigerian Army and Security agencies for their dedication to securing the country, saying the security and economic prosperity of the country wa in mys largely due to the continuous sacrifice across the different operational theatres of the country.
