Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
In a night that blended remembrance with reassurance, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has given strong assurances that improved welfare packages for officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces are no longer a promise but a work in progress backed by the highest level of government.
Speaking at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Social Night in Abuja, General Oluyede urged troops to remain resolute and hopeful, stressing that 2026 would mark a turning point in welfare reforms for serving and retired personnel.
According to the Defence Chief, the Armed Forces leadership is intensifying efforts to enhance the quality of life of personnel, including initiatives to support military families and retirees.
He revealed that, with the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Defence Headquarters is engaging financial institutions to provide soft loan schemes for spouses of service personnel at highly subsidised interest rates, aimed at supporting viable businesses and long-term family stability.
General Oluyede also disclosed ongoing plans to expand access to housing loans, complementing existing service housing schemes, to ensure that personnel retire with homes, sustainable livelihoods and a sense of fulfilment after years of service to the nation.
Reassuring troops of unwavering support, the CDS invoked Liverpool FC’s iconic anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” emphasising that the Armed Forces leadership stands firmly with both serving and retired personnel.
He commended troops for their courage and professionalism across all theatres of operation while also saluting military families as “silent heroes” whose sacrifices sustain morale.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, described the Social Night as an opportunity for personnel to unwind, celebrate, and honour fallen heroes whose sacrifices continue to inspire the Armed Forces.
The event, which featured performances by music icons including Tuface Idibia, Zule Zoo, and Magnito, was attended by top military brass, including the Service Chiefs and the Chief of Defence Intelligence.
As the Armed Forces marked AFCRD 2026, the message from the leadership was clear: remembrance of the fallen goes hand in hand with renewed commitment to the living.
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