The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant‑General Waidi Shaibu, has pledged N25 million to the Emergency Health Fund of the Course 39 Nigerian Defence Academy United Welfare Association to support the medical needs of retired officers.
Shaibu made the pledge on Thursday at Army Headquarters, Abuja, when members of the association’s executive committee, led by its president, Air Vice‑Marshal Ibikunle Daramola (retd.), paid a courtesy visit. The announcement was posted on the Nigerian Army’s X account.
“Caring for those who have served the nation remains an enduring responsibility and an important component of personnel welfare,” the Army chief said, reiterating the service’s commitment to both serving and retired personnel.
Shaibu used the visit to outline several ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the Army’s operational capacity. He said the service has expanded to 12 divisions and has integrated 28,000 recruits through regional training depots in Zaria, Osogbo and Amasiri‑Edda. The Army is also implementing a revised training curriculum with greater emphasis on marksmanship, physical fitness and fieldcraft.
The COAS said the service is advancing its transition to multi‑domain operations through the integration of space, cyber and non‑kinetic capabilities, while developing Army aviation and unmanned aerial systems to improve situational awareness and operational mobility.
On welfare beyond active service, Shaibu highlighted the Senior Executive Transition Programme, designed to prepare retiring senior officers and their spouses for post‑service life.
Daramola congratulated Shaibu on his appointment and lauded the Army’s support to the association, citing assistance with health insurance, emergency support and capacity building. He also affirmed Course 39’s readiness to contribute experience and mentorship to the service.
The meeting underscored the Army leadership’s stated priority on personnel welfare, veteran engagement and measures to enhance training and operational readiness.
