Nigerian Army, on Monday, began a five-day workshop for its veterans in South-West states where it has both serving and retired personnel from 2 Division and 81 Division.
The theme of the fourth quarter 2021 workshop is: “Harnessing Nigerian Army Veterans’ Influence to Enhance National Security and Cohesion.”
The programme was organized by Army Headquarters Veterans Affairs Directorate.
In his opening remarks, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya said that the retirees had inherent capacities, having served for long periods in the army and garnered experience while in service.
Yahaya, who was represented by Army Chief of Administration, Maj.-Gen. Usman Mohammed noted that the veterans were closer to members of the public.
“So, we believe that in organizing this kind of seminar, we will be in the position to tap into their wealth of experience by learning from them and soliciting for their support.
“We will also be getting requisite information that we think can help us to better operate with the society and understand the pulse of the conduct of our operations and how we can carry them out better,” he said.
General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, in his welcome address, noted that the seminar was a testimony to the determination of the COAS to utilize the skills of both serving and retired personnel to defend Nigeria.
According to him, the workshop is designed to garner support for army operations as well as engender national cohesion through the influence of the veterans in various communities.
Chibuisi stressed that the workshop was also aimed at following up on some of the important issues raised in the second quarter edition of the seminar, as they related to the veterans and national security challenges, among others.
He stated that eminent-qualified resource persons would make presentations on topical issues which would be followed by constructive discussions.
The GOC expressed optimism that participants at the event would make the best use of the platform to build their capacities and intuitions for performance.
Chief of Staff to Oyo State Governor, Mr. Segun Ogunwuyi, while declaring open the workshop, said that its theme was apt, particularly at a time when the nation had reached a point where skills of both serving and retired officers were needed.
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“Indeed we need a holistic approach to solving the myriad of security challenges facing our dear nation at this time,” he added.
Ogunwuyi said that there were many talents among the retirees, saying that the workshop would explore those skills and expose participants to the Nigerian values that they could be proud of.
He urged the army to reflect deeply and proffer solutions for improved national security, in line with the theme of the workshop. (NAN)
