The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) that sustained welfare reforms aimed at improving their living and working conditions are underway, with firm support from the highest level of government.
General Oluyede gave the assurance at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Social Night organised by the Defence Headquarters, where serving personnel and veterans were hosted to a night of entertainment, reflection and appreciation in honour of fallen heroes.
Addressing the gathering, the Defence Chief urged troops to remain resolute, hopeful and steadfast, stressing that tangible improvements in welfare conditions would begin to manifest in 2026. He described the reform process as continuous and deliberate, assuring personnel that the leadership of the Armed Forces remains fully committed to their well-being.
A statement by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed that beyond the welfare of serving officers and men, General Oluyede said the Defence Headquarters is equally concerned about retired personnel, particularly the challenge of sustainable engagement after service. He disclosed that, with the approval and support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, engagements are ongoing with financial institutions to provide soft loan schemes for spouses of service personnel at highly reduced interest rates.
According to him, the initiative is designed to support viable business ventures, strengthen family stability and secure long-term livelihoods for military families. He also revealed plans to expand access to housing loans to complement existing Service housing schemes, with the aim of ensuring that personnel retire with personal homes, sustainable income sources and a sense of fulfilment after years of dedicated service to the nation.
Reassuring troops of the Armed Forces’ enduring support, the CDS borrowed from the famous Liverpool Football Club anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” emphasizing that the military leadership remains firmly committed to standing by both serving and retired personnel. He commended troops for their courage, resilience and professionalism across all theatres of operation nationwide.
General Oluyede also paid glowing tribute to military families, describing them as “silent heroes” whose sacrifices, patience and prayers continue to sustain the morale and fighting spirit of the Armed Forces.
He expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to strengthening the operational capability, welfare and morale of the Armed Forces, and commended the Service Chiefs for their leadership strides. He also thanked the organisers of the Social Night for putting together an event that reflected unity, remembrance and appreciation.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Administration (CDA), Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, stated that the Social Night was deliberately designed to allow personnel to unwind, reflect, and celebrate, while also providing a solemn moment to honour fallen heroes who had paid the supreme price in defence of the nation.
The Social Night was part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
Dignitaries at the event included the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. Abbas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal S. K. Aneke; and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General E. A. P. Undiandeye. Highlights of the evening included performances by renowned music icons Tuface Idibia, Zule Zoo and Magnito.
About The Author
