The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has urged retired Officers to devote themselves to the service of the Nation and to eschew any action that could jeopardize the dignity and integrity of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nation at large.
General Yahaya who was ably represented by Director of Personnel Services Army Headquarters, Major General Gbemiga Olusegun Adeshina said this at the Regimental Dinner Night in honour of officers of the rank of colonel and below who retired from the Nigerian Army while serving in Army Headquarters Garrison and Army Headquarters Departments.
He urged them to stay guarded against the antics currently being used by fraudsters to target pensioners and retirees for monetary scams. "You must be careful of falling victims of their fraudulent activities as many of our colleagues have fallen victims to their tricks", he said.
General Yahaya said, retirement is a phase of life, which most of serving military personnel hopefully pray to enjoy in a gratifying and peaceful manner after giving their best to the system. It is therefore, a milestone which is worth celebrating.
"I am certain that the transition from active military service to retirement is not without its own peculiar challenges, but I believe there is also much to enjoy in retirement especially if you have prepared well for it.
The COAS noted that all efforts are being made to ensure that entitlements for retired all discharged personnel are paid on time. He advised them to make maximum use of your entitlements.
"You still remain very important to the Nigerian Army as your experience will continue to count and could be required at any time. Please keep in touch with those friends and colleagues you left behind in the Service, and we hope to continue to see you at many functions you are invited for", he stressed.
In his welcome addressing, the Commander Army Headquarters Garrison Major General KN Garba implored the 9 retired personnel at a Regimental Dinner Night to spend their entitlements wisely.
He said this ceremony is arranged for all gallant patriots, as a similar ceremony was held in this same venue. December last year at the AO Com Officers Mess in honour of retired Major Generals and Brigadier Generals.
He added that the dinner was organised to appreciate the retired personnel and their spouses for thier meritorious service to the nation.
General Garba advised them to contribute to the growth of their immediate communities and the society in general.