The immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), Tuesday, warned that the ugly sights of veterans protesting non-payment of entitlements must not be allowed to fester, saying this could engender feelings of resentment among serving personnel.
Irabor said this in a paper at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2025 Lecture and Art Exhibition, organised by the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
The lecture was titled, “Celebrating the Armed Forces of Nigeria in National Development.”
He said: “The ugly sights of veterans’ protest, though contrary to military discipline and ethos, owing to lack of payments of entitlements, must not be allowed to fester.
“This could also potentially engender feelings of resentment in active duty personnel, especially seeing the despicable treatment meted out to veterans.
“This shameful act should end forthwith with the payment of all accrued entitlements.”
The former CDS said the plight of servicemen and women wounded or disabled leaves a heart-breaking tale in the minds of everyone.
“This could indirectly demoralize serving personnel. It could even make veterans to go into depression for possible regrets of patriotic services rendered to the nation,” he said.
To redress this, he suggested that special support could be organised for better care of wounded and disabled active-duty and retired military personnel.
“I am aware of the on-going construction of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder facility and the Invictus Games project. It is very essential that these projects are completed, fully furnished, well-equipped and properly manned, sustained and well publicized for the benefit of the Armed Forces.
“The projects will also improve the perception of the federal government and the nation in general, as a grateful people for patriotic services rendered,” he said.
Irabor also called for a compressive healthcare programme for veterans.
According to him, the greatest need for veterans is healthcare.
He noted that the quality of life of veterans depreciates daily when juxtaposed with the inflationary trends.
“Even with prompt payment of monetary entitlements, the value pales when healthcare-related issues are tied to the disposable income of the veteran.
“Currently, the Defence Healthcare Insurance policy for personnel is not comprehensive. So many ailments and medical cases are not covered in the policy.
“This is a major issue that must be looked into. The special and very arduous conditions that military personnel are exposed to during active service, predispose them to all kinds of medical conditions. This is made worse in retirement.
“A special-purpose vehicle for a Comprehensive Healthcare for veterans will be invaluable in addressing this challenge,” Irabor added.
…We’ll overcome security challenges – Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his government will continue to equip the nation’s security agencies to enable the country overcome its current security challenges.
The president gave the assurance at the 2025 Regimental Dinner Night in honour of the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in Abuja.
Represented by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, the president said he is committed to providing the military with the necessary resources to tackle security issues effectively.
Tinubu commended the dedication and professionalism of the Nigerian armed forces including those who have paid the supreme price in the service of their fatherland, emphasising that the challenges ahead required courage, strength, innovation, and adaptability.
He pledged to prioritise the welfare and wellbeing of armed forces personnel, ensuring they have the necessary resources and support to carry out their duties effectively.
He said: “Armed forces of Nigeria is more than just a military establishment, it represents the cornerstone of national security, the embodiment of collective result of hope, peace and integrity of our dear nation.
“The dedication, professionalism exhibited by our service men and women should be a source of pride and inspiration to all Nigerians. So, tonight as we celebrate, let us also look into the future.
“The challenges we face not only demand courage and strength but innovation and adaptability, but we must continue to invest in the capabilities of our military, equipping them with the resources and support necessary to effectively address the evolving security challenges that daily confront us.
“The road ahead will not always be easy but together we can overcome any challenge. Let me assure you that we will continue to prioritize the welfare and wellbeing of our armed forces personnel. Ensuring that they have the necessary resources and support to carry out their duties effectively.”
President Tinubu also commended some distinguished officers honoured with various awards by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa for their resilience and dedication, urging them to remain steadfast.
…Akpabio lauds military
In his remarks at the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the sacrifice of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria as the foundation upon which citizens stand tall.
His speech entitled: “Building a Synergy for Development,” was presented on his behalf by Chairman Senate Committee on Navy Gbenga Daniel.
Akpabio said that every inch of progress recorded had been rewarded with the courage, sweat and too often, the blood of the men and women of the armed forces.
He also hailed families of the servicemen and women, describing them as unsung heroes.
“Your sacrifices are the foundation upon which our citizens stand tall. Nigerians owe you a debt that can never be fully repaid, ” he said.
Akpabio said the gathering was not merely to observe a tradition but to honour a legacy that was forged on courage, sacrifice and unyielding devotion to the nation.
“Today, we do not only remember our heroes, we celebrate their resolve, resilience and remarkable contributions to the development and security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Great nations are built from the strength of their institutions and unity of their people,” said the Senate president.
While saluting the Nigerian armed forces as truly exceptional, he, however, said they cannot succeed in isolation.
“These challenges we face, insurgency, banditry and the pursuit of sustainable development require a unified response.
“We must commit to a partnership grounded in trust, mutual respect and the shared vision for a better Nigeria,” he said.
The event also featured an exhibition of some selected artworks from the Nigerian Army Museum and some Nigerian artists, anchored by Prof. Jerry Buhari of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.