The Nigerian military has retired 357 non-commissioned officers (NCOs) after empowering them with skills for self reliance.

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

They have either reached statutory age of retirement or attained 35 years of service.

They were disengaged from service at a well attended function at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) where they underwent a six-month pre-retirement training to prepare them for life outside the uniform.

Addressing the retirees, the Chief of Defence General, Gen. Lucky Irabor reminded them their passing out parade signified a setting dusk in their distinguished military career as well as a testimony of their determination, commitment and discipline.

Irabor, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Rear Admiral George Eyo, said the pre-retirement course was designed to give trainees
the requisite rudiments for a successful reintegration into civil life after a meritorious service to the country.
“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,” he said.

He urged the retirees to remain good ambassadors of the Armed Forces, maintain highest level of integrity and ensure they contributed towards nation building as they go about their businesses.

“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 properly manage your freedom in order 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 endeavors and positively influence your environment for the economic development of our dear country,” he said.

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

He commended NAFRC leadership for its relentless efforts at ensuring that discharging Armed Forces personnel were exposed to the latest trends in global entrepreneurship and management training. In this wise, your reviewed curriculum has enabled trainees to benefit from the modern trends of doing businesses. (Nation)

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