The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, on Thursday commended the sacrifices and dedication of 542 military personnel who have officially retired from active service.
The commendation was delivered at the passing-out ceremony for Course 1/2025 of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) held in Lagos. Representing the COAS at the event was Major General Kevin Aligbe, Commander, Training and Doctrine Command.
General Oluyede praised the retirees for their courage, discipline, resilience, and unwavering commitment to national service, describing the ceremony as a tribute to their selfless contributions to the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“As you transition from military life to civilian life, I pray you enjoy a fulfilling post-service experience and effectively apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired,” he said.
“From now on, you will be in full control of your time, managing and executing your personal activities independently. While this may seem exciting and promising, it also requires careful management to ensure success in your new vocations.”
The COAS urged the retirees to uphold the high ethical standards and discipline expected of them in their interactions with the civilian population.
“You must demonstrate in your social and business dealings that you emerged from a highly disciplined system,” he emphasized.
“I am confident in your ability to thrive in your future endeavours and positively influence your communities by contributing to their security and development.”
General Oluyede further encouraged the retirees to be advocates of peace and support community-based security initiatives, stressing the importance of operating within the framework of the law.
He also cautioned them about the potential challenges of post-service life, which may include financial mismanagement, deceit by fraudulent individuals, poor health management, and the absence of the structured military environment.
“It is unwise to adopt an extravagant lifestyle beyond your financial means or to venture into unfamiliar business enterprises,” he warned.
Highlighting the purpose of their resettlement training, the COAS noted that it was designed to equip them with vocational skills and management knowledge necessary for a productive and meaningful life after military service.
“I encourage you to utilize your training and experience to pursue economic opportunities as you reintegrate into civilian life. Continue to inspire and lead, and always remember—you remain heroes of our nation,” he said.
General Oluyede expressed appreciation to the NAFRC for its continued role in preparing retiring personnel for life after service and urged the centre to maintain its high standards in human resource development.
He also assured that the leadership of the Armed Forces remains committed to prioritizing the welfare of both serving and retired personnel in alignment with their various command philosophies.
“We will sustain support for the advancement of this centre, with the aim of transforming it into an international hub for vocational training and excellence,” he stated.
The COAS concluded by commending the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for his outstanding leadership, and expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for the capacity development of the Armed Forces and the welfare of its personnel, both active and retired.
