The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, has sought a strategic partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to strengthen agricultural entrepreneurship and empower retiring military personnel with sustainable livelihoods.
The Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius Ilo, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
AVM Ilo said the proposed collaboration would enhance agricultural training for retiring personnel of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, while contributing to food security and national economic growth.
He noted that agriculture remains one of the Centre’s major training areas, revealing that about 80 per cent of participants undergoing resettlement programmes have expressed interest in agricultural entrepreneurship.
According to the Commandant, NAFRC has acquired 40 hectares of land to expand its agricultural training programme and is seeking the Ministry’s support through technical training, modern farming equipment, extension services and policy guidance.
He stressed that the partnership would build the capacity of retiring personnel, enable them to become self-reliant after service and support the Federal Government’s food security agenda.
Responding, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, commended the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and maintaining national security.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with NAFRC and said practical modalities would be developed to implement programmes that would benefit retiring service personnel.
The Minister also advised the Centre to organise beneficiaries into cooperative societies to enable them access government intervention programmes and agricultural support schemes.
Kyari further urged NAFRC to submit detailed areas of interest for the proposed partnership so the Ministry could provide appropriate technical assistance and institutional support in line with existing agricultural policies.
The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to a strategic partnership aimed at empowering retiring military personnel through agriculture, strengthening food security and advancing sustainable national development.
