The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged retiring personnel of Pre-Discharge Course 1/2026 on the need for financial prudence, integrity, and responsible post-service planning.
He also cautioned them against fraudulent investment schemes and financial misadventures capable of undermining their retirement benefits.
The COAS gave the charge on , at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos, during the Graduation Dinner Night, a prelude to the official Passing Out Ceremony.
. Lieutenant General Shaibu, represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, Major General Shamsideen Shafaru, admonished the graduands to exercise due diligence before committing their retirement benefits to unregulated ventures in a bid to invest their funds.
The COAS charged them to avoid unfamiliar or deceptive investment schemes that could jeopardize the financial security they have built over years of meritorious service as retirement does not mark the end of relevance or service to society but should remain worthy ambassadors
“He emphasized that retirement does not mark the end of relevance or service to society, urging the graduands to remain worthy ambassadors of the Armed Forces and continue contributing positively to peacebuilding, community development, and national growth.”
Lieutenant General Shaibu congratulated the graduating personnel for attaining a significant milestone after decades of dedicated service to the nation ,noting that many of them had served in challenging operational environments in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national security.
The COAS commended the Commandant for notable progress recorded at the Centre since assuming office on 15 December 2025, especially in the area of infrastructural development, personnel welfare and curriculum enhancement, describing these improvements as critical to strengthening NAFRC’s mandate.
On his part ,the Commandant of Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Center, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ilo, commended participants for their discipline, commitment, and maturity throughout the training programme, and charged them to uphold the core military values of integrity, loyalty, patriotism, professionalism, and hard work as they transition into civilian life.
Air Vice Marshal Ilo encouraged the retiring personnel to maintain healthy lifestyles, make informed financial decisions, and fully leverage the entrepreneurial, vocational, and management skills acquired during their training at NAFRC
“AVM Ilo reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to equipping retiring service personnel with practical tools for successful reintegration and self-reliance”. .
The evening ended in an atmosphere of reflections and celebration as participants, guests, and families marked the successful completion of another phase of military service and the beginning of a new chapter in civil life.
Reporting By Mary Fatile