The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has pledged N25 million to the Emergency Health Fund of the Course 39 Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) United Welfare Association (UWA), as part of efforts to strengthen support for retired military personnel.
Shaibu made the pledge yesterday when the association’s Executive Committee, led by its President, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ibikunle Daramola (rtd.), paid a visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare of serving and retired personnel, describing sustained engagement with veterans as an important pillar of institutional development. He said their operational experience and leadership expertise were valuable to the Army, strengthening institutional memory and mentorship.
‘Caring for those who have served the nation remains an enduring responsibility and an important component of personnel welfare,’ Shaibu said.
The Army Chief outlined ongoing reforms to build a more professional and technologically enabled force, including the expansion of the Army to 12 divisions and the integration of 28,000 recruits through regional training depots in Zaria, Osogbo and Amasiri Edda.
He said the Army was implementing a revised training curriculum emphasising marksmanship, fitness and fieldcraft, while transitioning toward multi-domain operations through the integration of space, cyber and non-kinetic capabilities, alongside developments in Army aviation and unmanned aerial systems.
Shaibu also highlighted the institutionalisation of the Senior Executive Transition Programme to prepare retiring senior officers and their spouses for life after service.
Daramola congratulated Shaibu on his appointment as COAS and his elevation to lieutenant general, commending his efforts to strengthen the Army’s force structure and operational capabilities.
He appreciated the support given to the association, particularly in health insurance, emergency assistance and capacity-building.
Daramola assured the COAS that Course 39 members were willing to deploy their operational, technical and leadership experience in support of the Army’s objectives and national security.