The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, on Thursday graduated 812 participants of Course 01/2026, marking another milestone in the Centre’s mission of preparing retiring military personnel for successful civilian life through vocational, entrepreneurial and management training.
Speaking at the Passing Out Ceremony, the Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal N.I. Ilo, said the graduating class was drawn from the three services of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The participants comprised 218 personnel from the Nigerian Army, 121 from the Nigerian Navy and 176 from the Nigerian Air Force, bringing the total number of graduates to 812.
AVM Ilo described the ceremony as a transition point for personnel moving from active military service into a new phase of productivity and self-reliance. He reiterated the Centre’s commitment to equipping retiring personnel with practical skills needed to thrive after service.
The Commandant highlighted achievements recorded since assuming office on December 15, 2025, including infrastructural upgrades, curriculum enhancement, personnel welfare improvements and community engagement initiatives. He noted that the Centre conducted a medical outreach programme at Ladipo International Auto Spare Parts Market in Lagos and embarked on several renovation projects, including the rehabilitation of accommodation facilities, workshops, drainage systems and the installation of additional solar-powered streetlights.
According to him, NAFRC has also reviewed its training curriculum to align with modern economic realities, with increased emphasis on digital entrepreneurship, information technology, agribusiness, renewable energy and contemporary business management practices.
Delivering his address as Special Guest of Honour, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the graduating participants for their decades of dedicated service to Nigeria.
He urged them to approach retirement with the same discipline, resilience and determination that defined their military careers, stressing that the skills acquired at NAFRC would help them succeed in civilian life.
“Retirement is not the end of productivity, but rather the beginning of another phase filled with opportunities, growth and fulfilment,” he said.
The Air Chief also advised the retirees to be cautious of fraudulent investment schemes and to make prudent use of their retirement benefits. He encouraged them to remain active contributors to national development by leveraging their leadership experience and professional expertise within their communities.
Air Marshal Aneke further praised the leadership of NAFRC for ongoing reforms, particularly the review of the Centre’s curriculum and efforts to improve infrastructure and welfare.
Both speakers expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the welfare and professional development of military personnel, while also acknowledging the contributions of defence authorities, partners, instructors and families of the graduating participants.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, representatives of service headquarters, security agencies, development partners, traditional rulers, family members and other invited guests.
