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In a vibrant ceremony held at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in Oshodi, Lagos, 656 senior non-commissioned officers retired from active service after serving the nation for 35 years. The event marked the conclusion of a six-month demilitarization training program, preparing the retirees for civilian life.
The retirees included 535 personnel from the Nigerian Army, 86 from the Nigerian Navy, 35 from the Nigerian Air Force, and two from the Defence Intelligence Agency.
Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff, commended the retirees for their dedication and sacrifice, emphasizing their pivotal role in maintaining Nigeria’s peace and security.
“This training has equipped you with the knowledge and skills needed to transition seamlessly into civil life as resourceful managers, entrepreneurs, and contributors to national development,” Abubakar said, referencing the military adage, “Soja come, soja go, but barracks remain.”
He encouraged the retiring officers to carry the discipline, courage, and commitment that characterized their military careers into civilian life, becoming role models and ambassadors of the armed forces in their communities.
The NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Mamman, underscored the center’s role in equipping retiring personnel for post-military life, noting that over 51,000 personnel have been trained in self-reliance and managerial skills since the center’s inception.
“Do not fear the future,” Mamman said, urging the retirees to embrace their new phase with optimism. “With the discipline and skills you have acquired, along with faith, you will enjoy a bright and prosperous future filled with long life, good health, and success.”
The ceremony was a blend of reflection and celebration, highlighting the enduring legacy of the military while marking a new beginning for the 656 retirees as they transition into civilian life.
