By Mary Fatile (Lagos)
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has declared that improving veterans’ healthcare, economic integration, financial welfare, and sustained engagement remains his top priority, describing them as critical to delivering effective national security outcomes.
Air Marshal Aneke made this known during a parley with veterans at the NAFOWA Hall, Ikeja, Lagos.
Represented by the Director of Veteran Affairs, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ademuyiwa Adedoyin, the Chief of Air Staff said the Nigerian Air Force is prioritising digital education and employment support to help veterans reintegrate successfully into civilian life.
Air Marshal Aneke disclosed that discussions are already underway to develop a structured playbook that will integrate veterans into national labour and employment strategies through collaboration with the Ministry of Labour.
He further revealed plans to establish a special healthcare section in Nigerian Air Force hospitals, dedicated to providing comprehensive medical care for veterans.
The Chief of Air Staff also announced that the Presidency has approved a group life assurance policy, ensuring compensation for families of deceased veterans.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the payment of all outstanding backlog entitlements for the entire Nigerian Air Force.
The Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh, said the series of parleys across various NAF units continue to strengthen the foundation upon which the Nigerian Air Force stands as a pillar of Nigeria’s defence and national security.
One of the guest speakers, Retired Air Vice Marshal Nicholas Spiff, speaking on the theme “Life After Service,” urged veterans to understand that post-service life is fundamentally different and must be approached with early planning, optimism, and purpose.
Over 400 veterans attended the interactive forum, which began in 2023 as an annual event but has grown in relevance and impact, leading to its adoption as a biannual gathering.
Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle
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