The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has assured retired and retiring military Generals of President Bola Tinubu's commitment to prompt payment of Pensions and urged them to avoid putting all their eggs in one basket at the initial stage, as gratuity will only be paid once.
Abubakar gave this assurance on Tuesday, 19 December 2023 at the Regimental Dinner Night in Honour of Retired/Retiring Nigerian Army Generals 2023 at Armed Forces Officers Mess, Asokoro, Abuja.
The Regimental Dinner Night was organised by the Army Headquarters to honour and celebrate the gallantry and meritorious service of 113 retired Nigerian army Generals which comprises 1 Full General, that is the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (Retd) who served 30 years in the military, 67 Major Generals, and 44 Brigadier Generals.
Minister of Defence who was the Special Guest of Honour said "I am convinced that experiences and skills gathered while in service such as integrity, discipline, dedication, loyalty and respect for diversity which have been a working principle through their careers have provided them a good platform as they exit the service.
"Our 2023 retired and retiring Generals have led with courage, wisdom and determination devour, devoting themselves to the defence of our dear nation."
He noted that they have relentlessly assumed excellence, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to do it. Their selfless sacrifice and leadership have undoubtedly made an indelible mark on the armed forces and the nation as a whole.
He said throughout their careers as an individual they have faced countless challenges and displayed remarkable resilience and adaptability in navigating the ever-rewarding remodel world.
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| Defence Minister And Chairman Senate Committee on Army |
Their unwavering commitment to professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct has set the standard for the Nigerian Army inspiring the generation coming after to do exploit. On a lighter note, he announced that The political space is now open to the Army Generals who wish to join politics.
The minister encouraged them to take a break to reflect appropriately on what is next and strategies before making the next move,
He also pledged his availability to advise them on business, profession, and occupation they choose to ender on. As former president of SEAMA, he pledged to advise them for free.
He thanked the spouses and their children for the sacrifices made when their fathers were away.
He also pledged the Ministry of Defence's commitment to look into the medical coverage and welfare of personnel, he reminded them that policy takes time to get implemented in a constitutional democracy, however, the administration of President Tinubu will get it done quickly.
He charged officers and men of the armed forces of Nigeria to remain loyal and sustain the culture of supporting democracy in Nigeria.
Dignitaries present at the Regimental Dinner Night in honour of Retired/Retiring Nigerian Army Generals 2023 were the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, former Defence Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (Retd), former Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Faruk Yahaya (Retd) and his wife, Chairman Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, former Senior Principal Staff Officers of the Nigerian Army, President NAOWA, Mrs Mariya Lagbaja and NAOWA members, Spouses, families of retired and retiring Generals.