The Defence Headquarters has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of military veterans through skills acquisition and sustainable empowerment programmes designed to promote self-reliance, economic independence and improved livelihoods after service as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to improving the welfare of military veterans through sustainable skills acquisition and empowerment programmes
Oluyede stated this during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Skill Acquisition Training for Veterans in the South-West geopolitical zone, organised by the DHQ Veterans Affairs Division at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The programme, themed “Enhancing Veterans’ Capacity Building through Sustained Skill Acquisition Training for Enhanced National Development,” is designed to equip veterans with practical skills to establish businesses, generate income and achieve sustainable livelihoods.
Participants are receiving training in poultry farming, fishery, snail farming, animal husbandry, livestock management and modern agricultural techniques.
The CDS also highlighted the Defence Headquarters’ partnership with Konga/Zinox to provide serving military personnel and veterans with access to subsidised purchasing options to cushion the effects of prevailing economic challenges.
He assured the veterans that the DHQ would continue to introduce initiatives aimed at improving their quality of life and supporting their transition into productive civilian engagements.
Oluyede urged participants to take full advantage of the training by applying the skills acquired to establish viable ventures that would support their families and contribute to national development.
He reiterated that the welfare of veterans remained a priority of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, noting that their sacrifices and service to the nation deserved sustained recognition and support.
The CDS was represented at the event by the Director of the Veterans Affairs Directorate, Defence Headquarters, Major General O.D. Williams.
