Inflation: CDS Launches Nationwide Skill Training for Military Veterans

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General O.O Oluyede has launched a strategic nationwide skill training for military veterans aimed at enhancing the well being of veteran legions and equipping them to withstand challenges posed by today’s economic realities. The 3-day training skill acquisition training of Northeast geopolitical zone, tagged “Empowering Veterans Through Skills Acquisition […]

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General O.O Oluyede has launched a strategic nationwide skill training for military veterans aimed at enhancing the well being of veteran legions and equipping them to withstand challenges posed by today’s economic realities.

The 3-day training skill acquisition training of Northeast geopolitical zone, tagged “Empowering Veterans Through Skills Acquisition for Capacity Building and Sustainability,” was held at 23 Brigade Officer’s mess in Yola Defence Headquarters on Wednesday.

O.O Oluyede represented by the Director, Veterans Affairs Division (Army) Defence Headquarters, Major General Oluwafemi Williams, said that a total of 78 military veterans are to be trained for the northeastern zone and same will be applied to all the geopolitical zones.

He noted that the the key challenge confronting the veterans is the significant decline in the purchasing powers of their earnings which in turn negatively impact their quality of life and that of their families.

“The ongoing economic realities coupled with limited access to alternative sources of income create a persistent circle of needs. In response to this long-standing concern and in our commitment to improve the well-being and quality of life of our veterans,”

“I have directed the Veterans Affairs Division to implement a nationwide skilled acquisition training programme. Tailored to each of the six geopolitical zones, I am pleased to see that our veterans have been actively included in our broader effort to uplift the lives of our service personnel. ”

He said veterans remain vital key stakeholders in their mission to improve the living standard across all adding that the training will cover a diverse range of vocational skills including poultry farming, fishery, snail farming, animal husbandry, livestock management, integrated and irrigation techniques, farming systems, and modern crop farming techniques and financial literacy.

He congratulated and urged nominees to seize the opportunity fully, not just to acquire skill but to network with other participants and relevant institutions in order to build viable and sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their families.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, represented by Chief of Staff, Dr Edgar Amos commended the veterans for their relentless services to the nation assuring them that they will never be forgotten.

” As veterans, you have demonstrated remarkable dedication and sacrifice in serving our nation, and it is our responsibility to ensure that you are equipped with the necessary tools to thrive in your future endeavors.”

He applauded the initiative made by the Chief of Defence Staff for his unwavering support urging veteran participants to take full advantage of the training to maximise the knowledge acquired.

” I would like to express my gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff for his unwavering support and for hosting this event in Adamawa State vision for the development of our veterans. I also appreciate the facilitators and organizers for their tireless efforts in making this program a reality.”

One of the beneficiaries, Sgt. Sule Gagaye (rtd) from Bauchi State, who retired in 2006, said the programme was long overdue. “I am retired but not tired,” he remarked, adding that he hopes to be fully equipped with new skills by the end of the training.