The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) of imminent and concrete welfare reforms aimed at improving the living standards of serving personnel, veterans, and their families.
Speaking at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Social Night in Abuja, General Oluyede disclosed that these reforms are currently receiving high-level backing from the Federal Government.
Focus on Family and Post-Retirement Stability
A significant highlight of the CDS’s address was the introduction of economic empowerment programs for military families. General Oluyede revealed that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), with the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is negotiating with financial institutions to secure soft loans for the spouses of service personnel. These loans will carry “highly reduced” interest rates to support small and medium-sized business ventures.
Furthermore, the CDS announced plans to expand housing loan schemes. The initiative aims to ensure that every personnel retires into a personal home, addressing one of the primary concerns of the retiring workforce.
”The Armed Forces leadership remains committed to standing by all personnel, serving and retired,” General Oluyede stated, citing the Liverpool FC motto, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” as a symbol of the military’s internal solidarity.
A Night of Tribute and Unity
The event, organized by the DHQ, served as a dual-purpose gathering to celebrate the resilience of active troops and honor the nation’s fallen heroes.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Administration (CDA), Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, described the Social Night as a “deliberate gathering” intended to allow personnel to unwind while reflecting on the ultimate sacrifices made by their predecessors.
The CDS specifically lauded military families, labeling them “silent heroes” whose domestic support sustains the morale of troops stationed in various theaters of operation, from the northern savannahs to the southern creeks.
High-Level Attendance and Entertainment
The event was attended by the nation’s top military brass, including:
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
Chief of Defence Intelligence: Lieutenant General E.A.P. Undiandeye
The night featured high-energy performances from legendary music icons Tuface Idibia, Zule Zoo, and Magnito, marking a rare moment of relaxation for the top leadership and rank-and-file of the Nigerian military