The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, has graduated 32 officers from its Mid and Senior Level Entrepreneurship and Management Course (15/2025), in a colourful ceremony that underscored the military’s commitment to preparing personnel for life beyond active service.
The graduation, held on Thursday, marked another milestone in the Armed Forces’ drive to build capacity among officers transitioning to civilian life through training in entrepreneurship, leadership, and management.
In his address, the Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal BR Mamman (GSS), lauded the participants for their dedication and resilience throughout the intensive four-to-five-week programme.
“You have been empowered to shape the future, turn visions into realities, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” AVM Mamman said.
“This course has not only prepared you for entrepreneurial success but has also enhanced your leadership capacity and productivity while in service.”
The course brought together 30 senior officers drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), along with three staff members of NAFRC. One participant was recalled due to service exigencies, leaving 32 graduates who completed the programme.
Delivering the course overview, Brigadier General IO Olatunji, Director of Training at NAFRC, highlighted the five core modules covered during the training: Agriculture, Emotional Intelligence, Business Management & Legal Advisory, Health & Lifestyle, and Entrepreneurship Technical Training.
The programme was conducted in collaboration with Empretec Nigeria Foundation, an internationally recognised entrepreneurship development organisation. Participants took part in practical workshops, business planning sessions, and a highly interactive Entrepreneurship Training Workshop (ETW).
A highlight of the programme was the group presentations of innovative business ideas, where participants pitched viable models under tight deadlines.
Hands-On Experience Through Study Tours
To complement classroom learning, the officers embarked on both local and international study tours, including visits to:
Spectra Industries, Agege – to gain experience in food processing and packaging.
National Conservation Centre, Lekki – the first visit by an Empretec group to the eco-tourism site, featuring Africa’s longest canopy walk.
Commint BUKA, Surulere – to study fast-food business operations.
Songhai Farms, Port Novo, Benin Republic – to explore integrated farming, smart agriculture, zero-waste practices, and renewable energy.
These visits provided participants with real-world exposure to diverse business environments and models, aligning with NAFRC’s mission of promoting sustainable post-service ventures.
AVM Mamman emphasized that the revised curriculum and strategic partnerships, such as the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to streamline business registration, reflect NAFRC’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (OFR), for his continuous support, as well as to the Service Chiefs, Empretec Nigeria Foundation, and course facilitators for their contributions.
The Commandant also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for his unwavering leadership and support for the Armed Forces, noting that the programme aligns with the government’s vision of economic empowerment and national development.
The ceremony concluded with the formal presentation of certificates jointly issued by NAFRC and Empretec Nigeria Foundation to the 32 graduates, officially marking their transition as trained entrepreneurs and managers ready to excel in civilian life.
This course, held quarterly, remains a key part of NAFRC’s efforts to strategically reintegrate retiring officers into society while fostering economic growth and stability.