…PROMISES SECURITY DEBARMENT ALLOWANCE SOON
By Okosun Dennis
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya has called on retired Army veterans to leverage their professional skills garnered during their service years to improve the security situation in their communities.
He noted that with the enormous challenges of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other organised crimes bedevilling the country, they have a huge role to play to assist in the fight, adding that the army would continue to count on their wealth of experience as senior citizens.
The COAS, who was represented by the Chief of Administration (COA), Maj Gen Okpeh Ali, spoke at the opening ceremony of the 4th Quarter 2022 Veteran Affairs Directorate Seminar/Workshop at the Buhari Hall, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, on Tuesday in Lagos.
With the theme: “Harnessing the Potentials of Nigerian Army Veterans in a Community-based Security,” Gen Yahaya observed that the gamut of insecurity must be fought without relish, but urged them never to rest on their oars even in retirement until the war is brought to an end in favour of the Armed Forces and by extension, our Nation.
“I will like to use this opportunity to inform you of ongoing efforts to re-engage the services of our qualified Veterans in order to continue to benefit from your wealth of priceless experience and professionalism garnered over the years,” the COAS hinted.
On his part as the Special Guest of Honour, the Commandant, NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Idi Gamso Lubo acknowledged the relevance of the veterans, whose input would continuously be sought to tackle emerging security hiatus.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to engage retired officers and soldiers considering that you are closer to the community and have first-hand Information. They have unique eyes to see things and be able to communicate with us in service, and we would use that information to our own advantage to deal with the nuisance value of criminal elements.
In his opening remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Maj Gen Obinna Ajunwa emphasized the need for the participants to make effective use of the knowledge gained maximally during the one-week-long seminar to enhance security in the country.
Observing that it was a golden opportunity for the participants to consolidate on the gains of previous seminars, reaffirmed that it would boost their morale and give them a sense of belonging.
“It is worthy to mention that NA Veterans have very vital roles to play in enhancing the safety and security of life in the communities they reside and the country at large. The importance of NA veterans in community security cannot be over-emphasized.
“Consequently, NA Veterans are expected to be robust, endowed with quick thinking, analytical and armed with problems solving skills to serve as a force multiplier to other active Security Agencies in safeguarding life and properties in their immediate communities.
“I believe that at the end of this seminar/workshop, you will acquire unique qualities and skills which will mould you into strong pillars that will support military operations in the communities you are domiciled.”
In an interview with the National Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Maj Gen Abdulmalik Jibril (retd) x-rayed the uniqueness of the seminar/workshop, reiterating that it does not only give the opportunity to interact and know the problems of the veterans but introduces programmes; know how to take care of themselves as old citizens and create the opportunity to come out of their locality to reminiscent on issues that have gone by.
The Director of Veteran Affairs, Maj Gen Lawrence Ifejokwu explained that the welfare of veterans would continue to be given topmost consideration by the Federal Government.
“Welfare policy is entrenched hence on living the service they are entitled to pension and gratuity.” However, he added that the Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) that caused some turbulences recently has been addressed.
“Veterans made their case and the President Mohammadu Buhari has graciously approved the allowance for those that were not captured at the inception. As soon as cash backing is gotten and made available, they would all be paid.”
Participants were drawn from the National Headquarters Nigerian Legion, Abuja states in the South West including Edo, Ekiti, Kwara, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Oyo as well as invited resource persons and personnel of other services.
Topics lined up for discussion include: “Veterans as veritable Components of Community Security Architecture in Nigeria;” Military and Community Based Security: NA Veterans as Tool for Synergy;” and Leveraging on Opportunities in Non-Oil Export,” among others.
The seminar/workshop will be rounded off on Friday.
https://any.peopleandpowermag.com/army-chief-task-veterans-on-community-security-to-tackle-insurgency/
About The Author
