The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) that concrete measures are being implemented to improve their welfare, saying the process has the backing of the highest levels of government.
General Oluyede gave the assurance on Monday while addressing personnel at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Social Night organised by the Defence Headquarters to honour serving officers, veterans and fallen heroes.
He urged troops to remain resolute and hopeful, expressing confidence that 2026 would usher in better welfare conditions for members of the Armed Forces.
The CDS said the military leadership was not only focused on the wellbeing of serving personnel but also deeply concerned about the post-service lives of retired officers and men. He disclosed that, with the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Defence Headquarters was engaging financial institutions to provide soft loans for spouses of military personnel at highly reduced interest rates.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at supporting viable business ventures, strengthening family stability and ensuring long-term livelihoods for military families. He also revealed that discussions were ongoing to expand access to housing loans to complement existing service housing schemes, with the goal of ensuring that personnel retire with their own homes and sustainable sources of income.
Drawing inspiration from football, General Oluyede invoked Liverpool Football Club’s famous motto, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” to reassure troops of the Armed Forces leadership’s commitment to stand by them, both in service and in retirement.
He commended troops for their courage, professionalism and resilience across all theatres of operation, from the northern savannahs to the southern creeks and Nigeria’s airspace. He also paid tribute to military families, describing them as “silent heroes” whose sacrifices continue to sustain the morale of the Armed Forces.
The CDS expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his support in strengthening the operational capability, welfare and morale of the military, and also lauded the Service Chiefs for their leadership.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, said the Social Night was designed to give personnel the opportunity to unwind, reflect and celebrate while also honouring fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation.
The Social Night formed part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
Dignitaries at the event included the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. Abbas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal S.K. Aneke; and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General E.A.P. Undiandeye. Entertainment was provided by music stars Tuface Idibia, Zule Zoo and Magnito, among others.
