The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) has graduated participants of the Senior and Mid-Level Entrepreneurship and Management Course 17/2026, with a strong emphasis on equipping officers with practical business and leadership skills for life during and after military service.
Delivering the graduation address, Dr. Onari Duke described the occasion as a celebration of excellence and entrepreneurship, commending participants for their dedication throughout the intensive five-week programme. She noted that the training, which commenced in February, provided a solid foundation in agriculture and enterprise development, combining both theoretical and practical learning.
Duke highlighted the importance of experiential learning, noting that participants undertook site visits to leading businesses and institutions including Spectra Industries, the Lekki Conservation Centre, Commint Buka, and Songhai Farms. According to her, these engagements broadened their perspectives and equipped them with practical insights for real-world application.
As certified participants of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Empretec programme, she urged the graduates to leverage the Ten Personal Entrepreneurial Competences acquired during the training. She encouraged them to sustain collaboration through professional networks, mentorship, and continuous learning platforms.
In his remarks, the Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal ILO, said the course reflects the Armed Forces’ commitment to preparing personnel for a smooth transition into productive civilian life. He emphasized that the programme equiped officers with practical tools to establish and manage businesses both while in service and after retirement.
The Commandant commended the participants for demonstrating leadership, resilience, and strategic thinking, expressing confidence in their ability to apply the knowledge gained across their respective formations. He also appreciated the contributions of instructors and facilitators, particularly the Empretec Nigeria Foundation, for delivering impactful training.
He further acknowledged the support of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, alongside other service chiefs and senior defence officials for approving and facilitating the training. He also expressed gratitude to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the necessary backing for capacity development initiatives within the Armed Forces.
The ceremony concluded with the formal induction of the graduates into the global network of “Empretecos,” marking the beginning of their journey as trained entrepreneurs poised to make meaningful contributions to national development.
