In what is deemed as of one of the final processes of reabsorbing military retirees into civilian life, about 133 personnel drawn from the three services of the armed forces, weekend, graduated after their six months post retirement training.
The retirees had undergone retirement training in different fields at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos, as part of the process that would help them easily fit into civilian life and fend for themselves when the pay check stops coming in.
Some of the trainings for the retirees which consist of 50, 53 and 10 personnels from the Nigerian Army (NA), Nigerian Navy (NN) and Nigerian Air Force (NAF), respectively include, fishery, pigery, carpentry, tailoring, fine arts and printing, music, barbing, shoe making, welding, foundry, mechanical and electrical engineering.
Others training programmes include, bricklaying and concreting, plumbing and pipe lifting, painting and spraying, snailery, rabbitery, soap and cosmetics, photography, computer appreciation, bakery, security and safety practice.
In his speech, the Special Guest of Honour, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, noted that post service life is real and full of challenges and as such it was needful the retirees are prepared to combat it.
According to him, the retirees would face such challenges of inadequate funds, the management of both mental and physical health as well as face a new social status without the full immunity of the uniform.
While stressing that members of the Armed Forces are the most privileged citizens in the country going by the opportunities made available in the military, Ezeoba who was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Admiral Azubuike Ajuonu, said
He assured the retirees that the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Goodluck Jonathan, is committed to ensuring that military personnel are properly resettled after many years of meritorious service to the nation
While reiterating that FG's commitment which is attested by the recent exemption and refund regarding the contributory pension scheme to members of the armed forces, he appealed to them to prepare to contribute their part towards the consolidation of the country's democratic process and national development.
Ezeoba further urged them to uphold high standards of conduct, character, integrity and service to humanity even in their status as civilians.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Centre, AVM Moses Akisanmi, expressed optimism that the additional skills they acquired from the centre would add impetus to their personality and assist them to fit and settle down into civil life.
While addressing the invited guests which included the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas and other senior officers, the commandant said the retirees were taken through six months of intensive course instruction in various departments of their choice.
He said, "The mandate of the centre is to equip retiring personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces with relevant trade and vocational skills to enable them integrate into the civil society and enjoy a productive and fulfilling life in retirement" he added.
The Commandant further revealed that over 40,000 personnel have so far received various vocational and managerial skills since the centre was established.
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