ABUJA – The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday said that retired military officers had offered to support the fight against terrorism and other similar threats to national security,
This information is contained in a statement issued in Abuja signed by Maj,-Gen. Chris Olukolade, Director of Defence Information.
The statement said that the retired senior officers, led by Air Commodore Michael Ekwere, made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh in Abuja.
Ekwere said that the concept of national power demanded that countries should harness resources to confront threats to national cohesion.
“According to him, the group was offering to act as a force multiplier for the Armed Forces in the fight against insurgency in the country.
“He explained that the group came together for the purpose of giving back to the system that has invested so much in them while in active service.
“He added that they would provide support in the on-going efforts to rationalise and transform the armed forces,‘’ the statement said.
It said Ekwere noted that assistance programmes would allow the force to concentrate on their core functions.
The retired officers used the opportunity to congratulate the CDS on his appointment and subsequent elevation in the armed forces.
The statement said that Ekwere emphasised that Nigeria had a rich repository of human resources waiting to be tapped.
It said he likened his group to PAE America, “a private outfit of mostly retired military personnel who are appointed to head logistics and administration departments”.
The statement said that the CDS, while responding, thanked the organisation for the visit.
It said the defence chief promised to look into the issues raised, especially on their readiness to join actively in the fight against insecurity in the country.
“The CDS applauded the initiatives of the group, stating that he was particular at the prospect that these initiatives portend for engaging retirees and making post-service life a little more rewarding.
“He assured the group of the support of DHQ and the services to help the group realise its objectives.”
The statement also said that the management of Elizade (Toyota) Nig Ltd., led by the Executive Director, Kunle Ade-Ojo, and the CEO NICON Insurance Company, Emmanuel Jegede, visited the CDS .
It said their visits were to felicitate with the CDS on his recent promotion and appointment.
According to the statement, the visit is also to strengthen the existing partnership between them and also identify with the success story in the fight against terrorism in the North East.(NAN)
