The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) that concrete and far-reaching welfare reforms are underway, with strong backing from the highest level of government.
General Oluyede gave the assurance while addressing personnel at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Social Night, organised by the Defence Headquarters as part of activities to honour serving personnel and veterans, and to remember fallen heroes.
The Defence Chief urged troops to remain resolute, hopeful and steadfast, noting that positive changes were imminent and that 2026 would mark a turning point in the welfare conditions of the Armed Forces. He described the welfare reform process as ongoing and receiving critical support from relevant authorities.
Beyond serving personnel, the CDS said the Defence Headquarters was equally concerned about the wellbeing of retired officers and soldiers, particularly in ensuring sustainable engagement after retirement. He disclosed that, with the approval and support of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Defence Headquarters is working with financial institutions to introduce soft loan schemes for spouses of service personnel at highly reduced interest rates.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at supporting viable business ventures, promoting family stability and guaranteeing long-term livelihoods for military families. He also announced ongoing engagements to expand access to housing loans to complement existing Service housing schemes, with the objective of ensuring that personnel retire with personal homes, sustainable sources of income and a sense of fulfilment after years of dedicated service.
Drawing inspiration from football, General Oluyede reassured personnel with Liverpool Football Club’s famous motto, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” stressing that the Armed Forces leadership remains committed to standing by all personnel, both serving and retired. He commended troops for their resilience, courage and professionalism across all theatres of operation, from the northern savannahs to the southern creeks and Nigeria’s airspace.
The CDS also acknowledged the sacrifices of military families, describing them as “silent heroes” whose patience, prayers and support continue to sustain the morale and fighting spirit of the Armed Forces.
He expressed profound gratitude to President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering commitment to strengthening the operational capability, welfare and morale of the military. He further commended the Service Chiefs for their leadership efforts and thanked the organisers of the Social Night for hosting an event that symbolised unity, remembrance and appreciation.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Administration (CDA), Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, said the Social Night was designed to provide personnel with an opportunity to unwind, reflect and celebrate. He noted that the occasion also served as a solemn moment to honour fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation, describing their sacrifices as a timeless source of inspiration.
The event, which formed part of the 2026 AFCRD activities, was attended by the 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; and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General E.A.P. Undiandeye.
Highlights of the night included performances by renowned music icons such as Tuface Idibia, Zule Zoo and Magnito, added colour and entertainment to the celebration.
