By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, says the Defence Headquarters is pursuing dedicated hospitals and low-interest loans to improve the welfare of military veterans.

Oluyede disclosed this during an interactive session with veterans from the South-West region at the Headquarters, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, on Friday.

This is contained in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, on Friday in Abuja.

Uba said the engagement formed part of the CDS’s ongoing nationwide consultations with veterans.

The CDS said plans were underway to dedicate at least one hospital in each geopolitical zone to cater specifically for veterans’ medical needs.

He said data collation was ongoing and the necessary processes were at advanced stages towards implementing the initiative.

Oluyede also disclosed efforts to establish a low-interest loan scheme to enable veterans to establish businesses and engage in productive ventures after retirement.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving veterans’ welfare, citing the recent salary increment for serving personnel and the consequential adjustment of veterans’ pensions.

He added that issues arising from the pension adjustment were being addressed.

Oluyede also highlighted the Defence Headquarters Online Shop, launched in collaboration with Konga, saying efforts were ongoing to bring more major businesses on board to provide discounted goods and services to serving personnel and veterans.

He commended the veterans for their sacrifices in keeping the country united and peaceful, assuring them that their contributions would not be forgotten.

The CDS urged them to continue supporting peace and security in their communities and to sustain prayers for serving personnel.

During the interactive session, the veterans raised concerns about their entitlements, welfare programmes and administrative matters, which were addressed by the CDS and other senior officials.

Those who provided further clarification included the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Adm. Gideon Kachim; Commandant, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, AVM N.I. Iloh; and Chairman, Military Pensions Board, Maj.-Gen. Julius Osifoh.

The President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association (RANAO), retired Maj.-Gen. H.A. Salihu, thanked the CDS for the engagement and urged veterans to embrace dialogue in resolving issues.

Also, retired Maj.-Gen. A.G. Adewuyi, who delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the veterans, commended Oluyede for sustaining engagement on veterans’ welfare.

Adewuyi also appreciated the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Maj.-Gen. Auwalu Mamuda, for the hospitality extended to the veterans. (NAN)