DHQ Opens Agricultural Skills Training for Veterans

 

By Atlantic Reports

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has opened a skills acquisition programme for military veterans in the South-West, aimed at supporting economic independence and improving livelihoods after service.

The training is taking place at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division in Ibadan, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Una.

Organised by the DHQ Veterans Affairs Division, the programme focuses on practical agricultural skills that participants could use to establish productive ventures.

Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said veterans’ welfare remained a priority for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Represented by the Director of the DHQ Veterans Affairs Directorate, Maj.-Gen. Oluwafemi Williams, Oluyede urged participants to apply their training to enterprises that could support their families and contribute to national development.

Farming Skills for Post-Service Livelihoods

The programme covers poultry farming, fisheries, snail farming, animal husbandry, livestock management and modern agricultural techniques.

Oluyede said the military would continue developing initiatives to improve veterans’ quality of life in recognition of their service and sacrifices.

He also highlighted a DHQ partnership with Konga/Zinox, which he said offered serving personnel and veterans access to subsidised purchasing options to ease prevailing economic pressures.

The statement did not specify the products covered, the level of subsidy or the conditions for accessing the purchasing arrangement.

Support Beyond Training

While the programme is intended to strengthen veterans’ earning capacity, the statement did not provide the number of participants, the duration of training or details of start-up funding, equipment and follow-up support.

Those arrangements will help determine whether participants can turn their new skills into sustainable livelihoods.

The programme’s theme is “Enhancing Veterans’ Capacity Building through Sustained Skill Acquisition Training for Enhanced National Development”.

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