Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, has urged retiring military personnel to maintain discipline, ethical conduct, and a commitment to national development as they transition to civilian life.
Speaking during the Passing Out Ceremony of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) Course 1/2025 in Oshodi, Lagos, Oluyede, represented by the Commander of Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Maj. Gen. Kevin Aligbe described retirement as “a transition into another phase of national contribution,” not the end of service.
The ceremony marked the formal graduation of 542 personnel, including 362 from the Nigerian Army, 134 from the Nigerian Navy, and 46 from the Nigerian Air Force, who underwent six months of pre-retirement training.
“As ambassadors of the Armed Forces, society expects high ethical standards from you,” Oluyede said. “You must prove through your conduct that you passed through a disciplined system.”
He cautioned the retirees against common post-service challenges such as financial mismanagement, negative societal influences, and health decline, urging them to make use of the entrepreneurial skills acquired during their training.
Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Mamman, also addressed the graduates, encouraging them to integrate smoothly into society and continue promoting peace and progress within their communities. He noted that the Centre has trained over 53,000 personnel from the Armed Forces, paramilitary agencies, and allied services since its establishment.
“We are committed to transforming NAFRC into a world-class Centre of Excellence for vocational and entrepreneurship training,” he said.
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According to him, despite financial constraints, the Centre continues to expand training and support programmes for retiring personnel, youth in surrounding communities, and families of fallen servicemen.
The Commandant expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support, including the approval of starter pack increments and funding for infrastructure upgrades.
He added: “Our gratitude also goes to the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs for their continuous support and strategic guidance.
“Let me once again congratulate the disengaging Participants on this occasion of your graduation. You will agree with me that, unlike all other courses you attended while in Service, this one was specifically geared towards your self-development to aid you in transitioning to civil life. As you graduate today, you are transforming from active military duty to the honourable legion of veterans who continue to make positive contributions to the unity, peace and progress of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I urge you to make yourselves available and join the Legion Chapters wherever you decide to settle.”
