From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters has concluded a three-day Skills Acquisition Training for veterans of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in the North East Geo-Political Zone, aimed at enhancing their post-service wellbeing and economic empowerment.
The training, held from November 19 to 21, 2025, at the 23 Brigade Officers’ Mess, Gibson Jalo Cantonment, Yola, focused on equipping veterans with vocational skills, livestock management, financial literacy, and business opportunity identification.
In a statement released to Triumph by Captain Olusegun Abidoye, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Sector 4 Operation Hadin Kai/23 Brigade, he said the initiative was part of ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by veterans in an increasingly difficult economic climate.
The theme of the training, “Empowering Veterans Through Skills Acquisition for Capacity Building and Sustainability,” reflects the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to providing veterans with the knowledge and skills necessary for a meaningful post-service life.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, AFM, represented by the Director of Veteran Affairs Division (VAD), Major General Oluwafemi Williams, said the training was designed to enhance the quality of life and economic resilience of veterans in the North-East.
The Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Amos Edgar, lauded the initiative, urging participants to fully leverage the knowledge and expertise shared by facilitators during the programme.
Major General Williams, represented by the Deputy Director, VAD (Army), Brigadier General Caius Baushe, noted that the initiative aligns with the CDS’s priority of supporting both serving and retired personnel, ensuring they are adequately prepared for life after service.
The training featured lectures from seasoned facilitators, certificate presentations to participants, souvenir presentations to dignitaries, and a group photograph to mark the conclusion of the event.
Notable attendees included the Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Dr. Amos Edgar, Acting Commander, Sector 4 Operation Hadin Kai/Commander 23 Brigade, Brigadier General Amechi Agwu, who represented the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division Nigerian Army, and the Commander, 153 Base Services Group, Group Captain MM Muazu, among others.
