BY Ada Nkong
The federal government has outlined plans to improve the welfare of veterans in Nigeria .
The Minister of defence Mohammed Badaru represented by the permanent secretary Dr Ibrahim Kana made this known during a press briefing to herald the 2025 armed forces remembrance day.
In his address, the minister said though in the last decade Nigeria has been bedeviled by serious internal security concerns, the military has despite the cost paid by troops risen to the challenge and brought the situation under control.
According to him, ” When bandits and criminals formulate new techniques and establish new bases when dislodged, the Armed Forces have continued to adopt new strategies and switch up their tactics to take the battle to their doorsteps”.
“The troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have continually dealt fatal blows to terrorist groups in the Lake Chad Region through a series of daring operations. In one such operation conducted on 15th June, 2024, several terrorists were neutralized and 34 women and children were rescued from insurgents. Also, the Nigerian Navy Ship Soroh discovered and deactivated an illegal refining site in the Isonogbene area of Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. The Nigerian Air Force carried out impressive airstrikes on 17th June, 2024, in Katsina State, resulting in the elimination of over 80 terrorists. These strikes, along with previous ones in various parts of the North West and North East have significantly disrupted terrorist activities and enhanced the safety of several communities for their residents”.
He further said owing to the onslaught on insurgents, the Armed Forces have degraded their capacity, necessitating the surrender of more than 100,000 insurgents and the elimination of their top commanders adding that Niger has been recalled to the joint taskforce
Speaking on the activities leading up to the 2025 Armed forces remembrance day celebration the minister said the Nigerian Legion Humanitarian Day will hold on Wednesday, 2nd October 2024, at the Nigerian Legion House, Area 3 Garki, Abuja while the emblem launch will take place on Wednesday, 23rd October, 2024 at the Council Chambers, State House. Abuja.
Other activities include the Jumma’at Prayers which will hold on Friday, 10th January, 2025 at the National Mosque followed by Interdenominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja on Sunday, 12th January, 2025.
He said the climax of the Celebration will be the Laying of Wreath by Mr. President and other dignitaries at the National Arcade, Abuja on Wednesday, 15th January, 2025. The Governors will also lay wreaths simultaneously in their respective States.
Commenting on the welfare of veterans, the minister disclosed that “provision for more Skills Acquisition Centres in different Geopolitical Zones is being worked-out for inclusion in the 2025 Budget of the Ministry. These Centres when operational would enable our veterans, widows and dependants of fallen heroes acquire skills that would support their families and consequently take many of those that are unemployed off the streets. This will be replicated shortly in other zones of the country. In addition, it has been proposed that Tractors and other farm implements be provided to revive and expand the capacity of the Nigerian Legion Farms across the country”.
He also said The issue of payment of Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) to veterans who were excluded by the commencement date of the Scheme has been resolved.
Among other achievements, Badaru expressed joy at the signing of the MOU between DICON, the ministry mines and steels as well as NASSENI which he said paves the way for the establishment of a munitions production facility, ensuring that our troops are equipped with the tools they need to defend our nation.
According to him by producing these munitions domestically, we are not only enhancing our security but also saving hundreds of millions of Dollars that would otherwise be spent on imports.
.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed in commemoration of the end of the World War I which ended on 11th November, 1918. While other Commonwealth member countries observe this event on 11th November yearly, Nigeria observes it on 15th January annually to commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War.
NewsAnnexOnline 