The Nigerian Armed Forces on Thursday bid farewell to 656 senior non-commissioned officers who have dedicated 35 years of their lives to serving the nation.
The colourful retirement ceremony, held at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre in Oshodi, was the culmination of a six-month demilitarization training programme designed to prepare the retirees for civilian life.
The retirees, comprising 535 personnel from the Nigerian Army, 86 from the Nigerian Navy, 35 from the Nigerian Air Force, and two from the Defence Intelligence Agency, were celebrated for their invaluable contributions to the country’s peace and security.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, paid tribute to the retirees, acknowledging their dedication and commitment to the nation.
“This training has equipped you with the knowledge and skills needed to transition seamlessly into civil life as resourceful managers, entrepreneurs, and contributors to national development. Soja come, soja go, but barracks remain,” Abubakar said.
“The discipline, courage, and commitment that defined your careers will inspire future generations. As you move into civilian life, I urge you to uphold these values, becoming role models and ambassadors of the military profession in your communities,” he added.
The demilitarisation training programme, provided by the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, equipped the retirees with the knowledge and skills necessary to transition seamlessly into civilian life.
According to NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Mamman, Commandant of NAFRC, the centre has trained over 51,000 personnel, providing them with self-reliant and managerial skills to excel in civilian life.
“NAFRC has trained over 51,000 personnel, providing them with self-reliant and managerial skills to excel in civilian life,” Mamman said.
As the retirees embark on this new chapter, they were urged to uphold the values of discipline, courage, and commitment that defined their military careers. Abubakar encouraged them to become role models and ambassadors of the military profession in their communities, inspiring future generations with their legacy.
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Jerome Kalu
Jerome Kalu is currently the Senior Correspondent of PIJAlance in Lagos. He was previously the Campus Information Desk (CID) Editor.