The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has revealed that the military is holding discussions with the Federal Government regarding the engagement of military retirees.

According to him, military retirees have acquired significant capabilities that should not be allowed to go to waste.

He emphasised that retirees should be considered for board appointments, expressing confidence that they could have a greater impact outside active service.

The Defence Chief spoke on Friday night during a 2024 send-off cocktail party organised to honour 18 retired and retiring generals.

The honourees are Maj. Gen. A. Mohamed, Maj. Gen. B.Y. Baffa, Brig. Gen. D.O. Donibo, Brig. Gen. J.Y. Nimmyel, Brig. Gen. K.F. Suleiman, Brig. Gen. D.J. Abdullahi, and Brig. Gen. K. Abdulkarim.

Others are Brig. Gen. H.A. Gambo, Brig. Gen. P.K. Yayock, Brig. Gen. F.C. Onyeari, Brig. Gen. A.A. Nguru, Brig. Gen. A.K. Onasoga, Brig. Gen. A.O. Oladimeji, Brig. Gen. E.E. Eyong, Brig. Gen. S.N. Eze, Brig. Gen. I.I. Adamu, and Brig. Gen. O.J. George.

Musa urged the retired and retiring generals to remain prepared to serve the nation when called upon, noting that discussions about their engagement are still ongoing.

He said, “Your retirement is not a retreat into oblivion but an opportunity to serve a greater cause in national development. I want to use this medium to announce that we are engaging with political leaders to ensure that the armed forces developed capacities and capabilities are not wasted. For those retiring, there are ongoing efforts to consider them for board appointments and other roles where they can contribute more, as we believe they will make a greater impact outside active service.

“It’s a work in progress. You will be needed in national strategic planning, defence production, national security, and other critical areas, just as veterans are engaged in other countries worldwide.”

Speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the retiring generals for their illustrious careers, during which they epitomized honour, courage, and commitment in every aspect of their duties.

He stated that the generals contributed to international peacekeeping missions and played critical roles in addressing internal security challenges posed by violent extremist groups across the country.

Oluyede said, “Their unwavering dedication to defending the territorial integrity of our nation, protecting its citizens, and upholding the values we hold dear as a people has inspired many to join the service. Throughout their illustrious careers, they served the army and the nation in instructional, staff, command, and even diplomatic capacities. This group of courageous colleagues has served the nation’s interests both within and outside Nigeria.

“From Liberia to Sierra Leone, Sudan, the Darfur region, the Bakassi Peninsula, and in addressing various internal security challenges posed by violent extremist groups across the country, their expertise and experiences have been instrumental in shaping the Nigerian Army and ensuring its readiness to fulfil its mandate.” (Saturday PUNCH)