CDS Oluyede Assures Military Veterans of Improved Welfare, Plans Dedicated Hospitals

CDS Oluyede Assures Military Veterans of Improved Welfare, Plans Dedicated Hospitals

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured veterans of the Armed Forces of Nigeria of sustained efforts to improve their welfare, including plans to dedicate at least one hospital in each geopolitical zone to cater specifically for their medical needs.

Oluyede gave the assurance on Friday, October 23, 2026, during an interactive session with veterans from the South-West region at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The meeting formed part of the CDS’s ongoing nationwide engagement with military veterans to address their concerns and strengthen their participation in the country’s security architecture.

Addressing the veterans, the CDS commended them for their years of service and sacrifice in preserving Nigeria’s unity and peace.

“Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by the nation,” Oluyede said.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving veterans’ welfare in recognition of their contributions to national security, citing the recent salary increase for serving military personnel and the consequential adjustment of veterans’ pensions as evidence of this commitment.

He added that issues arising from the pension adjustments were being addressed.

The CDS also outlined several initiatives being pursued by Defence Headquarters to improve the welfare of serving personnel and retired members of the Armed Forces.

On healthcare, he disclosed that efforts were underway to designate at least one hospital in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones specifically for veterans, in addition to existing healthcare arrangements.

According to him, data collection is ongoing, while the necessary processes towards implementing the initiative have reached advanced stages.

Oluyede further revealed that plans were underway to establish a low-interest loan scheme to enable veterans to invest in productive ventures and establish businesses after retirement.

He also highlighted the Defence Headquarters Online Shop, launched in collaboration with Konga, explaining that efforts were being made to expand the initiative by bringing more major businesses on board to provide discounted goods and services to serving personnel and veterans.

The CDS urged the veterans to remain actively involved in promoting peace and security within their communities and to continue supporting serving personnel with prayers as they discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

During the interactive session, the veterans raised concerns and sought clarification on issues affecting their welfare, entitlements and administrative processes. The CDS addressed their concerns, while senior military officials provided further explanations on matters requiring additional clarification.

Those present to provide further information included the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim; the Commandant of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Air Vice Marshal N. I. Iloh; and the Chairman of the Military Pensions Board, Major General J. E. Osifoh.

Discussions covered veterans’ entitlements, welfare programmes and other administrative matters affecting retired military personnel.

In his remarks, the President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association (RANAO), Major General H. A. Salihu (rtd), thanked the CDS for the engagement and encouraged veterans to continue embracing dialogue in resolving issues of concern.

Similarly, Major General A. G. Adewuyi (rtd), who delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the veterans, commended Oluyede for his continued attention to veterans’ affairs and his commitment to regular engagements that allow retired personnel to communicate their concerns directly to military leadership.

Adewuyi also appreciated the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Auwalu Mamuda, for the hospitality extended to the veterans during the visit.

The engagement underscores Defence Headquarters’ stated commitment to strengthening communication with military veterans and addressing their welfare concerns while encouraging their continued contributions to national peace and security.

By Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information.

CDS Oluyede Assures Military Veterans of Improved Welfare, Plans Dedicated Hospitals