In a milestone event, 542 senior non-commissioned military officers retired from the Nigerian Armed Forces on Thursday after completing 35 years of distinguished service. The ceremony, hosted at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in Oshodi, Lagos, marked the end of military careers for 362 Army personnel, 134 Navy officers, and 46 Air Force members.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, represented by Major General Aligbe Obhiozele of TRADOC, commended the retirees for their unwavering commitment to the nation. Obhiozele stated, “Your courage, discipline, and dedication over the past 35 years represent the highest standards of our Armed Forces. As you transition to civilian life, remain beacons of integrity and community leadership.”
He also advised the retirees to manage their finances wisely and maintain their health, emphasizing the continued expectation of discipline and responsibility even after service.
The NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Mamman, highlighted the centre’s role in preparing over 53,000 personnel for life beyond the military. Mamman expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for recent advancements, including larger starter packs for retirees, digitized records, e-learning enhancements, and upgraded workshop tools.
“These upgrades have strengthened our ability to equip servicemen with skills essential for civilian success,” Mamman said.
Retirees underwent vocational training in various fields and received discharge certificates during the ceremony, which was both emotional and hopeful. Sergeant Musa Bello, one of the retirees, shared, “The training has prepared me well for civilian life. I specialized in farming and plan to invest my gratuity into it. I am proud of my service years.”
The event concluded with the ceremonial lowering of flags, symbolizing the formal end of the retirees’ military service. Families and loved ones celebrated their transition into a new chapter of life.
read more articles here
Leave a Reply