Enugu: The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has restated the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of retired personnel. Abubakar gave the assurance at the Mid-Year 2025 Chief of the Air Staff’s Parley with NAF Veterans held in Enugu.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the CAS, represented by the Director of Veteran Affairs, AVM Chidiebere Obiabaka, noted that NAF had been able, within a few months, to identify the living locations, health conditions, and welfare conditions of all its veterans scattered across the country. He announced that medical treatment for veterans and their families has been made free of charge. Abubakar also mentioned plans to re-grade and re-engage veterans with special skills and proficiencies needed by NAF on a contract basis.

For two years, the CAS has prioritized veterans’ welfare above other issues, making it the central focus of personnel motivation. NAF has identified the residences of its veterans, regardless of age, and for those who are deceased, their families have been identified as well. The initiative aims to create a family-like environment, addressing challenges and solving them as much as possible.

The CAS highlighted plans to improve financial management for veterans by coordinating with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to develop strategies for their sustenance.

Earlier, AVM Ahmed Shinkafi, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), NAF Ground Training Command, Enugu, expressed that the parley aimed to honor and appreciate NAF veterans for their sacrifices to the nation. Shinkafi commended the CAS for organizing the event twice a year, encouraging veterans to share experiences to address operational and administrative challenges.

One of the veterans, retired Group Capt. Emma Agu, expressed gratitude for the initiative and support extended to veterans, emphasizing the sense of family within NAF for both serving and retired personnel. Another veteran, retired Warrant Officer Anthony Aneke, thanked NAF for the free medical care for veterans and their families, and lauded the CAS for maintaining welfare initiatives.

The event featured a health talk on ‘Low Back Pain (Lumbar Spondylosis)’ and a lecture on ‘Strategies for a Sustainable Retirement Life’ delivered by Dr. Gloria Chiagorom, Staff Nurse with the Medical Centre of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.