The Federal Government has launched an online discount shop designed to ease financial pressures on personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, veterans and their families by providing access to essential goods at discounted prices.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, who launched the platform in Abuja, on Thursday, September 24, said the initiative was part of the Federal Government’s broader welfare framework for serving and retired military personnel.
‘The welfare of those who serve the nation is a responsibility that extends beyond the provision of operational capabilities,’ Akume said.
‘A motivated and resilient Armed Forces is sustained by the assurance of the wellbeing of its personnel and their families.’
The SGF said the Federal Government recognised that initiatives aimed at improving access to essential goods and services and easing financial pressures were important components of a comprehensive welfare programme.
According to him, the Armed Forces of Nigeria Personnel Online Discount Shop, powered through the Zino platform, would leverage digital technology to give eligible serving and retired personnel convenient access to a range of goods at discounted prices.
Akume described the initiative as an example of how technology and strategic partnerships could be used to deliver practical benefits to citizens who had dedicated themselves to the service and security of the country.
‘The inclusion of veterans in this initiative, therefore, reflects an important principle of continuity in our responsibility to the Armed Forces family,’ he said.
The SGF commended Defence Headquarters and Zino Group for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), describing it as an ‘important framework for cooperation between the Armed Forces and the private sector in delivering a sustainable welfare intervention.’
‘As we launch this platform, I encourage Defence Headquarters and all stakeholders to ensure that its implementation remains transparent, reliable and responsive to the needs of the beneficiaries,’ Akume said.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said the initiative was an important component of the military’s welfare efforts.
He added that it was only the beginning of efforts to improve the welfare of military personnel, veterans and their families.
‘We are partnering with Zino, but we intend to bring other vendors on board. We are trying to interface with companies such as Dangote Cement so that personnel can have access to building materials and other essential goods that can make their lives better,’ the CDS said.
‘We also, at some point, intend to have physical shops where soldiers can walk in and access goods and services at highly discounted prices.’
The CDS urged personnel and veterans to make judicious use of the platform and called on those managing the scheme to continually improve its services.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for efforts to improve the welfare of the Armed Forces.
The Chairman of Zinox Group, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, described its partnership with the Armed Forces of Nigeria as its ‘contribution towards appreciating their sacrifices and dedication to national service.’
Represented by Zinox Group General Manager, Corporate Governance, Konga, Reginald Obiako, Ekeh said the online discount shop would enable personnel and their families to access a range of products at discounted prices.
‘We believe that those who serve and protect our nation deserve our support and appreciation. We are therefore pleased to partner in this initiative and look forward to its continued success,’ he said.
Ekeh congratulated the Armed Forces on the launch and expressed the company’s commitment to the success of the initiative.