Most ex-service men are now farmers – NAFRC Commandant

The Commandant, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Air Vice Marshal Augustine Ajibola Jekennu disclosed at the weekend that over 80% of trainees that graduated from the centre opted for agriculture in line with the diversification policy of the Federal Government.

The 295 trainees who had six months post-retirement training in the 01/2017 batch at the centre, consist of 270 personnel from the Nigerian Army; 18 from the Nigerian Navy and seven from the Nigerian Airforce.

He admonished them to respect constituted authority even in retirement because members of the society or where they are going to be living expect a lot from them.

In his remark as the Special Guest of Honour, the Minister of Defence, Brig Gen

Mohammed Mansur Dan-Ali reminded the graduands of the security challenges confronting the country, particularly in the North East, cattle rustling, farmers/herdsmen clashes, kidnapping, illegal oil bunkering/pipeline vandalism, socio-ethnic crisis and other criminal activities across the country.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Danjuma Shehu added that as “retired personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, much is still expected of you in contributing your quota toward surmounting any threat to lives and properties within your area of domicile or business concern.”

In a chat with National Daily, Amb. Danjuma explained that efforts are been made by the federal government to improve facilities at the centre in addition to upgrading it to University status.

The PM charged them to respect the core value of the profession noting that “As ambassador of the armed forces, you are obliged to respect the core values of loyalty, integrity and unalloyed service.

“Your societal interaction and activities particularly in the area of national security must be above board,” he reiterated.

Earlier, AVM Jekennu appreciated the graduands for their impeccable and unparalleled behavioural disposition during their training noting that during the six months training, there was no single case of indiscipline among the trainees. “Be law abiding,” he added.

“I urge you to make use of the skills you have acquired during the training programme.

Bear in mind that as retired members of the Armed Forces, the society expects so much from you. It is therefore, imperative that you uphold the professional ethics you have imbibe throughout the years.”

Shortly after the graduation formalities, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Danjuma Shehu commissioned the NAFRC Provost office, the Main gate, a 60-room well furnished trainee accommodation, renovated noncommissioned officer’s block of flats; Agric Wing and the Greenhouse where varieties of crops are simultaneously planted and grown with irrigation facilities for optimal productivity.

Present at the ceremony were the Flag Officer, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai; the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Peter Dauke; Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Yahaya; Commodore Abraham Adaji, who represented the Nigerian Defence Academy Commandant, and the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Telecommunications, Dr Chukwuemeka Ujam, families of retired military personnel.