The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has advised military personnel due for retirement to live within their earnings, while cautioning them against extravagant lifestyles upon exit from service.
Oluyede gave the advice on Monday at the Third Quarter 2025 Veterans Affairs Pre-Retirement Training and Business Development seminar held for personnel of the army.
The seminar has as its theme: “Building Resilience of Personnel/Veterans for Thriving in Post-Retirement Life”.
The seminar, scheduled for Aug. 3 to Aug. 5, is holding at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration, Apapa, Lagos State.
The COAS was represented by the Corps Commander of Engineering, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Tonye Numbere.
Oluyede said that post service life came with its peculiar set of challenges such as limited financial resources, misuse of retirement benefits and neglect of physical and mental well-being.
“Additionally, many retirees face difficulties adjusting to a lifestyle without the structures of military regimentation and privileges associated with wearing the uniform. NAN)
“It is, therefore, unwise to adopt an extravagant lifestyle that is above your means or venture into unfamiliar business undertakings without proper guidance.
“The training will expose you to several vocational opportunities, entrepreneurship procedures and general management skills so as to have a stress-free and meaningful life in retirement,” he said.
The COAS said that the theme of the seminar was apt, given the current economic realities and the attendant effects on the well-being of the citizenry.
He said, therefore, the welfare of all soldiers remained his top priority.
“I have directed the reorganisation of existing welfare packages and the introduction of new ones in line with my ‘Soldier First’ philosophy.
DAILY TRUST.
