The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of military veterans in appreciation of their exemplary service and sacrifices to the nation.
Latest: Edo news today: latest updates from Benin City and Edo State
Key Highlights
- General Olufemi Oluyede met South-South military veterans in Benin City, Edo State, on Friday, November 13, 2026.
- He disclosed plans for low-interest Bank of Industry loans to support veterans’ post-service businesses.
- The military hospital in Abuja is being expanded, with a percentage reserved for veterans.
- Dedicated veterans’ medical facilities are planned for each geopolitical zone.
- Veterans raised concerns on gratuity computation, pensions and access to medical care.
General Oluyede gave the assurance on Friday, November 13, 2026, during an engagement with military veterans from the South-South geopolitical zone, held at the Cathelea Convention and Suites, Benin City, Edo State.
The defence chief explained that the engagement is part of his initiative to interact directly with retired military personnel on issues bordering on their welfare, administration and other post-service concerns.
He described the forum as a veritable platform for enhanced synergy and constructive interaction, enabling the military to draw from the wealth of experience and professional expertise of retired personnel in making informed decisions on veterans’ administration and welfare.
General Oluyede noted that the welfare of veterans and their families deserves continued improvement, and urged them to remain good ambassadors of the military in their various communities.
He also briefed the veterans on ongoing efforts to acquire modern platforms and force enablers, some of which have already started arriving in the country and are expected to impact positively on military operations in Nigeria.
Low-interest loans, veterans’ hospitals in each zone
On welfare initiatives, the chief of defence staff disclosed plans for low-interest loans from the Bank of Industry to support veterans’ post-service businesses.
He also highlighted improvements in medical care, including the expansion of the military hospital in Abuja, with a percentage reserved for veterans, and ongoing efforts to establish dedicated medical facilities in each geopolitical zone to cater to veterans’ medical needs.
The interactive session afforded the veterans the opportunity to raise concerns on gratuity computation, pension-related matters and access to medical care among others, all of which were promptly addressed by the CDS.
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RANAO commends CDS
Chairman, Board of Trustees, Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association (RANAO), Colonel Tony Ogbomo (rtd), expressed appreciation to Gen. Oluyede for his sustained commitment to the welfare of military veterans and their families.
He particularly commended him for the proposed establishment of at least one dedicated military hospital for veterans in each geopolitical zone, as well as the planned introduction of a low-interest loan scheme to support veterans in establishing and expanding post-service businesses.
It will be recalled that the defence chief held similar engagements with veterans from the South-West and North-Central geopolitical zones recently. The engagements will continue across the country.
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