The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) that concrete steps are being taken to significantly improve their welfare, describing the process as ongoing and fully supported at the highest levels of government.
General Oluyede gave the assurance while delivering his address at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Social Night, organised by Defence Headquarters to honour serving personnel, veterans and fallen heroes.
He urged troops to remain resolute and hopeful, stating that 2026 would mark a turning point in the welfare of military personnel. According to him, positive changes were already in motion and would soon reflect in the lives of both serving and retired officers.
The Defence Chief disclosed that Defence Headquarters, with the approval of President and Commander-in-Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is working with financial institutions to introduce soft loan schemes for spouses of service personnel at highly reduced interest rates. The initiative, he said, is aimed at supporting small businesses, promoting family stability and ensuring long-term financial security for military families.
He also revealed that efforts are underway to expand access to housing loans to complement existing service housing schemes, so that personnel can retire with their own homes, steady income and a sense of fulfilment after years of national service.
Drawing inspiration from football, General Oluyede reminded troops of Liverpool FC’s famous motto, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” assuring them that the Armed Forces leadership would continue to stand by both serving and retired personnel.
He praised troops for their courage, resilience and professionalism across all theatres of operation, from the northern savannahs and southern creeks to Nigeria’s airspace, and described military families as “silent heroes” whose sacrifices sustain the fighting spirit of the Armed Forces.
The CDS also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening military capability, welfare and morale, and commended the Service Chiefs for their leadership.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, said the Social Night was designed to give personnel an opportunity to relax, reflect and celebrate while honouring fallen heroes whose sacrifices continue to inspire serving troops.
The event, part of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day activities, was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. Abbas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal S. K. Aneke; and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General E. A. P. Undiandeye.
Musical performances by Tuface Idibia, Zule Zoo and Magnito were among the highlights of the evening.
