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A total of 542 senior Non-Commissioned Officers were formally retired from the Nigerian Armed Forces on Thursday after completing 35 years of meritorious service.
The send-off ceremony was held at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in Oshodi, Lagos, and marked a significant milestone in the careers of the retirees. The personnel comprised 362 from the Nigerian Army, 134 from the Navy, and 46 from the Air Force.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, at the event, Major General Aligbe Obhiozele of the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) praised the retirees for their dedication and resilience throughout their service years.
“Today we celebrate your courage, discipline and selfless service to our great nation. Your 35-year journey embodies the finest military traditions of resilience and patriotism,” he said.
He urged the retirees to remain ambassadors of the military in their communities and continue upholding the values instilled in them throughout their careers. Obhiozele also warned against poor financial decisions and unhealthy lifestyles, noting that society still looks up to them for exemplary conduct.
Commandant of the NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Mamman, highlighted the role of the centre in preparing service personnel for post-military life. He noted that the institution has trained over 53,000 personnel since inception.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for recent reforms aimed at improving the retirement process, which he said have made the transition to civilian life more seamless. These include expanded starter packs, digitization of records, modernized vocational training, and enhanced e-learning tools.
Retirees received discharge certificates after completing intensive vocational training in various fields. Many described the experience as both emotional and hopeful.
Sergeant Musa Bello, one of the retirees, said: “The training has prepared me well for civil life. I was trained in farming. I hope to invest my gratuity in it. I am proud of my service years.”
The ceremony ended with the ceremonial lowering of the military flags, symbolizing the official conclusion of their active duty.
