A total of 498 Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) of the Nigerian military are being prepared for retirement and have been sworn into a six-month course to get them set.
However, there seems to be anxiety among those to be retired over what the immediate future holds for them outside service to the country, it has been learnt.
The Nation reports that the number comprised of 352 from the Army, 130 Air Force and 16 Navy and that they would spend the next six months at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in Oshodi, Lagos state.
At the centre, they are expected to learn various skills that would help them fit into the society upon retirement.
The report listed some of the vocations to include: business management skills, fashion design, shoe making, laundry, fine arts, photography, printing, soap making, agriculture, wood work, building and civil engineering works, electrical/electronics, fabrication as well as welding to help them re-integrate into civilian life and provide a source of living for them after retirement.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, July 18, the NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ajibola Jekennu, said the skills acquisition programmes were specifically designed to help build up profitable post-retirement ventures and ensure self-sustenance.
“Over the years, NAFRC has evolved from a rehabilitation centre for demobilised soldiers of the Nigerian Army, who were wounded in the second world war and the civil war, to a resettlement centre, which today, prepares retiring servicemen, women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for productive life after service.
“The objective is mainly to refocus your attention to the fact that a meaningful and productive life can be pursued even after leaving the service.
“Hence, the main mission of this centre is to provide retiring personnel wirh requisite skills and trades that could empower you to set up your own cottage industries and enjoy productive life in retirement,” he said.
“The centre has been able to achieve its lofty objective. Feedback from the field indicated that quiet a good number of graduates of this noble centre are doing well in their various acquired skills in the larger society.
“Today, some of them are even employers of labour. Hopefully, by the time you leave this centre in another six months, each and every one of you would have become skilled professionals, ready to explore and exploit the business world.
“Your personal commitment, hardwork and sacrifice will propel you to your desired goal. It is important you realise that this is the first time the service is training you for your own benefit.
“Your success therefore depends largely on how best you utilise the time made available in the programme.
“I enjoin you go be punctual and regular in all train activities; be prepared to learn from both your seniors and
