The Defence Headquarters has begun engaging financial institutions to create soft loan schemes for spouses of military personnel at highly reduced interest rates as part of welfare initiatives for serving officers.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, made this known at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Social Night, a special event organised by the Defence Headquarters to honour serving personnel, veterans, and fallen heroes.
Gen. Oluyede announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the loan scheme, which aims to support viable business ventures, promote family stability, and guarantee long-term livelihoods for military families.
He acknowledged the immense contributions of military families, describing them as “silent heroes” whose patience, prayers, and sacrifices continue to sustain the morale and fighting spirit of the Armed Forces.
According to him, the Defence Headquarters is also working on expanding access to housing loans to complement existing Service housing schemes. The goal is to ensure that personnel retire with personal homes, sustainable sources of income, and a sense of fulfilment after years of dedicated service to the nation.
Oluyede explained that beyond serving officers, the Defence Headquarters is also deeply concerned about the welfare of retired personnel, especially regarding their post-service engagement and wellbeing.
He said the military leadership remains committed to addressing challenges faced by both active and retired officers, focusing on creating more sustainable support systems for their families.
Drawing inspiration from football, the Chief of Defence Staff reassured troops with the famous Liverpool Football Club motto, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
He commended members of the Armed Forces for their courage, professionalism, and resilience across all theatres of operation, from the northern savannahs to the southern creeks and within Nigeria’s airspace.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, described the Social Night as a deliberate and special gathering that allows personnel to unwind, reflect, and celebrate.
Kachim said the event also served as a solemn moment to honour and remember fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation, noting that their sacrifices remain a timeless source of inspiration to serving personnel.
The Social Night formed part of the activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
In attendance were the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye.
