The Nigerian Army says it has commenced a week-long seminar for veterans from North Eastern Nigeria.
The event was declared open by the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, at Yola, Adamawa State.
In a message via its verified Facebook page, the military said the program is geared towards sustaining national security, in line with the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, initiative.
While declaring the event open, Governor Fintiri commended the COAS, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya for the strategic program of reintegrating and engaging the veterans who have paid the outmost price to keep the country safe and united.
He also expressed gratitude to the veterans for their selfless service to the nation and urged them to always contribute to the national security.
Earlier in his keynote address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Ibrahim Ali, reminded the veterans that they have important roles to play in the critical security challenges facing the country.
He equally said that the Nigerian Army is “committed to improving the living condition of the veterans”.
According to the COAS, the ultimate objective of the event was to enhance the capacity of the veterans towards achieving ‘a professional Nigerian army’.
“To build a professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of Nigeria, the Nigerian Army will continue to reap from the wealth of experience of its veterans while ensuring their well-being,” he added.
Meanwhile, the commander 23 Brigade, Yola, Brig Gen AM Garba thanked the leadership of the Nigerian Army for finding 23 brigade worthy to host the event.
He further urged the participants to “put to use whatever wealth of knowledge they will obtain from the seminar towards a better future of the country.”
The event was attended by the Director Veterans Affairs Department, Major General MT Durowaye, National Chairman Nigerian Legion, representative of the Director Veterans Affairs Defence Headquarters and heads of security agencies, among others.