Retired General Lucky Irabor, former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has urged the Federal Government to prioritize the welfare of wounded and disabled military veterans, emphasizing that such support is vital for maintaining morale among serving personnel.
Irabor made the call on Tuesday while delivering a lecture titled “Armed Forces Celebration and National Development” at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day 2025 Lecture and Art Exhibition in Abuja.
The event, organized by the Defence Headquarters, is part of activities to commemorate the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations.
Speaking on the challenges faced by injured and disabled servicemen and women, Irabor described their plight as “heart-breaking” and a potential source of demoralization for active-duty personnel.
“This could indirectly demoralize serving personnel. It could even make veterans go into depression for possible regrets of patriotic services rendered to the nation,” he said.
To address the issue, Irabor suggested the establishment of comprehensive support systems for wounded and disabled personnel, both active and retired. He also highlighted ongoing projects, such as the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) facility and the Invictus Games project, as critical to improving veterans’ welfare.
“It is very essential that these projects are completed, fully furnished, well-equipped, and properly manned, sustained, and well publicized for the benefit of the Armed Forces. The projects will also improve the perception of the Federal Government and the nation in general as a grateful people for patriotic services rendered,” he added.
Irabor called for a more inclusive Defence Healthcare Insurance policy, lamenting that the current scheme fails to cover numerous ailments, leaving veterans struggling with healthcare-related costs.
“Even with prompt payment of monetary entitlements, the value pales when healthcare-related issues are tied to the disposable income of the veteran,” he noted.
He proposed creating a special-purpose vehicle to deliver comprehensive healthcare for veterans and advocated for affordable housing schemes and specialized foundations for veterans with unique needs.
The former defence chief also recommended institutionalizing programs that foster public appreciation for military personnel, stressing that such initiatives could cultivate a culture of gratitude in society.
In his closing remarks, the current Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, expressed gratitude to the former defence and service chiefs for their insights.
Musa pledged to ensure the efficient utilization of military funds and reiterated his commitment to restoring peace across the country.
