Military authority retires 343 personnel

The Nigerian Military has retired 343 non-commissioned officers (NCOs) after it had empowered them with skills for self-reliance.

It was gathered that the retirees comprised 258 from the Nigerian Army (NA), 70 from the Nigerian Navy (NN), and 15 from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

The ex-military personnel were retired at a well-attended function at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) where they underwent a 6-month pre-retirement training.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, who was represented by the Chief of Defence, Training and Operations, Rear Admiral George Eyo, said the 6 months pre-retirement course was designed to give trainees rudiments for a successful reintegration into civil life.

He said: “It is our hope that on completion of this training, our gallant discharging servicemen and women seated here today will apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired and by so doing, comfortably enjoy the post service life.

“You will from now on take full charge as planners and executors of your personal daily activities, this may sound exciting and promising but beware; you need to effectively manage your freedom to be successful.

“The society will expect a high moral standard and discipline from you. You will also have to prove in your relationships that you passed through a highly disciplined system. As our well-grounded ambassadors, I believe you are all capable of excelling in your future endeavours and positively influence your environment for the economic development of our dear country.”

He also urged the ex-Soldiers remain good ambassadors of the Armed Forces, maintain the highest level of integrity and ensure they contributed towards nation building as they go about their daily activities.

Meanwhile, The CDS urged them to put to good use, the various entrepreneurial, business development and management skills they had learnt at NAFRC for an economically productive and successful life after retirement.