The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has urged military personnel preparing for retirement to live within their means and avoid extravagant lifestyles after exiting the service.
Oluyede gave the advice on Monday during the opening of the Third Quarter 2025 Veterans Affairs Pre-Retirement Training and Business Development Seminar. The three-day seminar, themed “Building Resilience of Personnel/Veterans for Thriving in Post-Retirement Life,” is holding at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration in Apapa, Lagos.
Represented by Maj.-Gen. Tonye Numbere, the Corps Commander of Engineering, Oluyede highlighted that life after military service often comes with unique challenges such as reduced financial income, poor investment decisions, and a lack of military structure and privileges.
“It is unwise to adopt an extravagant lifestyle that is above your means or venture into unfamiliar business undertakings without proper guidance,” he cautioned.
He noted that the training was designed to equip personnel with entrepreneurship and management skills for a smoother transition to civilian life. According to him, the initiative aligns with his “Soldier First” philosophy, which places the welfare of troops at the centre of army reforms.
“I have directed the reorganisation of existing welfare packages and the introduction of new ones to ensure personnel are well-prepared for life after service,” he added.
While expressing confidence in the ability of soldiers to contribute meaningfully to national development after retirement, the COAS encouraged them to remain advocates of peace and security within their communities.
“No country is without its challenges. As veterans, your experience will continue to be a valuable resource for both your communities and security agencies,” he said.
Oluyede also extended appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his consistent support of Nigerian Army programmes and welfare initiatives.
