The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria that concrete steps are being taken to improve soldiers overall welfare, describing the process as already underway and backed at the highest level of government.erermall rGenenrameleased.
General Oluyede gave the assurance while delivering his address at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Social Night, a special event organised by the Defence Headquarters to honour serving personnel and veterans while remembering the fallen heroes.
The CDS urged personnel to remain resolute, hopeful and steadfast, reassuring them that positive changes were imminent and that the year 2026 would usher in improved welfare conditions for members of the Armed Forces.
He further stressed that beyond the welfare of serving personnel, the Defence Headquarters is also deeply concerned about the wellbeing of retired officers and men, particularly the challenge of sustainable engagement after retirement.
He disclosed that, with the approval and support of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Defence Headquarters is engaging financial institutions to provide soft loan schemes for spouses of service personnel at highly reduced interest rates.
He urged personnel to remain hopeful, assuring them that positive changes were imminent and that 2026 would be a better year for the Armed Forces.
Beyond serving personnel, General Oluyede revealed that the Defence Headquarters has taken a keen interest in the welfare of retired personnel, noting concerns that many veterans exit service without sustainable post-retirement engagement.
To address this, he disclosed that, with the blessing of the President, financial institutions are being engaged to provide soft loan schemes for spouses—particularly wives of service personnel—at highly reduced interest rates of between five and seven percent. The initiative, he explained, is aimed at supporting viable ventures, ensuring family stability, and securing long-term livelihoods.
The CDS also announced ongoing engagements to expand access to housing loans to complement existing service housing schemes, with the goal of ensuring that personnel retire with personal homes, sustainable sources of income, and a sense of fulfilment after years of service to the nation.
Drawing inspiration from football, General Oluyede reassured troops with the famous Liverpool Football Club motto, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” saying the assurance applies to all members of the Armed Forces.
In a wide-ranging address, delivered in both formal and personal tones, the CDS paid glowing tribute to fallen heroes and veterans, describing their sacrifices as the foundation upon which today’s Armed Forces stand. He commended serving personnel for their resilience and professionalism across all theatres of operation—from the northern savannahs to the southern creeks and Nigeria’s airspace.
He also acknowledged military families, describing them as “silent heroes” whose patience, prayers, and sacrifices continue to sustain the fighting spirit of the Armed Forces.
In his closing remarks, General Oluyede expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief for his unwavering commitment to strengthening the operational capability, welfare, and morale of the Armed Forces, while commending the organisers of the Social Night.
The CDS concluded by encouraging guests to remain and enjoy the entertainment lined up for the evening, while invoking prayers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Earlier, in his welcome address the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kashim, described the Social Night as a special and deliberate gathering designed to provide an opportunity for personnel to unwind, reflect, and celebrate the courage, dedication, and professionalism of officers and men who continue to serve Nigeria with loyalty and sacrifice.
He noted that the occasion also serves as a solemn moment to honour and remember fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in the defence of the nation, stressing that their sacrifices remain a lasting source of inspiration to serving personnel.
According to the Chief of Defence Administration, the true strength of the Armed Forces lies not only in weapons or strategy, but in the shared bonds, values, and collective resolve that unite personnel as one family. He explained that the Social Night offers a welcome break from the rigours of duty, allowing personnel to relax, reconnect, and appreciate one another’s contributions to national peace, security, and stability.
Rear Admiral Kashim urged guests to enjoy the programmes lined up for the evening with gratitude—celebrating the living, honouring the deserving, and eternally remembering the fallen heroes whose legacy continues to guide the Armed Forces.
