By Helen Udo.
The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos, on 11 June 2026 celebrated a major milestone with the passing out of 812 retiring military personnel who successfully completed Course 01/2026, marking their transition from active service to civilian life equipped with vocational, entrepreneurial and management skills.
The graduating participants were drawn from the Armed Forces of Nigeria, comprising 121 personnel from the Nigerian Army, 176 from the Nigerian Navy and 218 from the Nigerian Air Force.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Special Guest of Honour and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the event as more than the completion of a training programme, noting that it was a celebration of courage, sacrifice, patriotism and unwavering commitment to national service.
The Air Chief paid tribute to the retiring personnel for their decades of dedicated service to the nation, highlighting their contributions in counter-insurgency operations, internal security duties, peacekeeping missions and humanitarian interventions both within and outside Nigeria.
He noted that their sacrifices and professionalism had significantly contributed to national security, peace and stability.”As you prepare to transition into civilian life, approach this new phase with the same discipline, resilience and determination that guided your military careers,” he advised, adding that the vocational and entrepreneurial skills acquired at NAFRC would provide a solid foundation for success beyond military service.
Air Marshal Aneke encouraged the retirees to remain active contributors to national development by applying their vast experience, leadership qualities and knowledge to support lawful community development and security initiatives.
He also cautioned them against fraudulent investment schemes, financial exploitation and unrealistic business ventures, urging them to invest wisely and continue pursuing self-development.
The Chief of the Air Staff further commended the Commandant, officers, instructors and staff of NAFRC for their dedication and professionalism in preparing retiring personnel for life after service.
He particularly praised the Centre’s ongoing reforms, including infrastructural renewal, welfare improvements and curriculum review efforts aimed at meeting contemporary challenges.
Earlier in his address, the Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal NI Ilo, said the Passing Out Ceremony represented a significant milestone in the Centre’s history and underscored its commitment to equipping retiring personnel with practical skills necessary for self reliance and meaningful contributions to society.
The Commandant highlighted several achievements recorded since assuming office on 15 December 2025.
According to him, the Centre had embarked on extensive infrastructural renewal projects, including the furnishing of the AVM BR Mamman Block, renovation of the Corps Members’ Lodge, rehabilitation of drainage and sanitation facilities, evacuation of over 65 filled soakaway tanks and the construction of additional toilet facilities within workshop areas.
He disclosed that solar powered streetlights were installed across the Centre to improve security and visibility, while several workshops, offices and participants’ accommodation facilities were renovated to enhance functionality and comfort.AVM Ilo also revealed that NAFRC recently conducted a medical outreach programme at the Ladipo International Auto Spare Parts Market in Lagos as part of activities marking his first 100 days in office.
The outreach provided free medical consultations, treatment and health education services to traders, artisans and members of the host community, further strengthening civil-military relations.In response to the changing demands of the modern economy, the Commandant stated that the Centre had undertaken a comprehensive review of its training curriculum.
The revised curriculum now places greater emphasis on digital entrepreneurship, information technology, agribusiness, renewable energy solutions, vocational innovation and modern business management practices to better prepare participants for life after retirement.
He further disclosed that NAFRC had initiated discussions with the Tony Elumelu Foundation towards establishing a skill acquisition and empowerment programme for widows and children of fallen military personnel, a project aimed at improving the welfare of military families.
The Commandant expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs and the Centre’s numerous partners for their continued support towards the welfare of military personnel and the advancement of NAFRC.
He congratulated the graduating participants for their discipline, resilience and commitment throughout the course, urging them to remain worthy ambassadors of the Armed Forces by upholding the values of integrity, patriotism, hard work and professionalism.
The ceremony ended on a high note as participants, families, military leaders and guests celebrated the successful completion of Course 01/2026, with both the Chief of the Air Staff and the Commandant expressing confidence that the graduates would leverage the knowledge and skills acquired at NAFRC to remain productive, self reliant and valuable contributors to national development long after leaving military service.
