Abuja: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has pledged N25 million to the Emergency Health Fund for the Course 39 NDA United Welfare Association (UWA). Shaibu made the pledge on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the association’s Executive Committee, led by its President, retired AVM Ibikunle Daramola, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja. This was disclosed in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, on Thursday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare of both serving and retired personnel, emphasizing veterans’ welfare as a crucial institutional responsibility. He highlighted the importance of ongoing engagement with retired officers to bolster institutional memory, mentorship, and continuity within the Nigerian Army.
Lt.-Gen. Shaibu detailed ongoing reforms aimed at developing a more professional, adaptable, technologically advanced, and combat-ready Nigerian Army. The expansion to 12 divisions and the integration of 28,000 recruits are expected to enhance the Army’s operational reach and responsiveness nationwide. Training for these recruits is being conducted at regional depots in Zaria, Osogbo, and Amasiri Edda.
The Army Chief also discussed the implementation of a revised training curriculum focusing on marksmanship, physical fitness, and fieldcraft to prepare troops for increasingly complex security environments. The Army is transitioning towards multi-domain operations by integrating space, cyber, and non-kinetic capabilities, while developing Army aviation and unmanned aerial systems to improve situational awareness, mobility, and responsiveness.
Shaibu further elaborated on the Senior Executive Transition Programme, designed to prepare retiring senior officers and their spouses for life after service. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance personnel welfare during and after military service.
Earlier, retired AVM Daramola congratulated Shaibu on his appointment as COAS and his elevation to lieutenant-general. He praised the COAS for strengthening the Army’s force structure and operational capabilities across Nigeria and expressed gratitude for the Army’s support to Course 39 UWA in health insurance, emergency assistance, and capacity-building programmes. Daramola assured that Course 39 members are ready to contribute their operational, technical, and leadership expertise through mentorship and advisory support.