The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) on Friday December 2019, graduated a total of 27 Mid Level Officers and 527 Servicemen and Women of the Armed Forces who successfully completed the officers Entrepreneurship and Management course 3/2019 and the Trainees course 2/2019.
The officers at the combined graduation comprise 5 officers from the Nigerian Army, 6 officers from the Nigerian Navy, and 10 officers from the Nigerian Airforce while the graduating trainees made up of senior NCOs who have served 35 years and above, comprise 228 trainees from the Nigerian Army, 118 trainees from the Nigerian Navy and 181 trainees from the Nigerian Airforce.
In his address, Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sadiq Liman implored the 527 servicemen and women of the armed forces and 27 mid level officers to utilize the entrepreuship skills they have acquired in the optimal management of resources in their services and future endeavors.
He said, “To our dear graduating participants and trainees, I congratulate you for successfully completing your courses of instruction in the centre. As I join others in wishing you a prosperous and healthy future, I urge you to make good use of the skills you have acquired during your stay here.
” I wish to remind you that as members of the Armed forces, the service or society you are going back to, expects much from you. It is therefore imperative that you uphold the professional ethics you have imbibed over the years by remaining obedient to constituted authority.
“I am glad to inform the Special Guest of Honour and other distinguished guest that, this particular set of participants and trainees were indeed worthy ambassadors of their various services during their stay at NAFRC. I therefore enjoin them to continue to be law abiding.
“I also want to emphasize to the trainees that while you may not be able to reconstruct your past, there are valuable lessons you can draw from them. So as you move into the next chapter of your lives, remember retirement is a different way of life, with new challenges and opportunities. You need to adopt and adjust to this new lifestyle, and it takes time, effort and creativity.
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Disclosing that NAFRC has enjoyed tremendous support, encouragement and strategic guidance from the executive and legislative leadership as well as the governing board, AVM Liman saluted the tireless and unrelenting direction of the Chief of Defence Staff and support of Service Chiefs towards transforming the Centre to a reputable institution for the training of officers and servicemen and women in entrepreneurship and management skills.
“While recognizing and acknowledging efforts of past Commandants and staff in adding value to NAFRC, permit me to state that the current management team is keen in transforming the Centre to a modern training institution that would favourably compete with any of its type anywhere in the world” he added.
Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd), in his address commended the officers and the service men and women for successfully completing the course and training schedules noting that it is attributable to “your determination and commitment to professionalism and excellence.
He expressed hope that the officers will use the knowledge acquired in the entrepreneurship and management courses to add value to their organizations while the trainees will become more proactive in life to overcome challenges with skills acquired.
While advising the trainees not to, “embark on new lifestyle that is above your means in retirement” the minister said the federal government will continue to evolve new strategies to improve the welfare of military personnel and retirees.
Highlights of the ceremony was the commissioning of some projects constructed, and reconstructed by Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sadiq Liman.
The projects include the new 1,200 capacity auditorium named Buhari auditorium after a one time Commandant of the Centre, a new wing of the NAFRC hospital complex whose entire structure was also upgraded and a remodelled and expanded accommodation facilty for Delta Company with capacity for over 200 participants.
An elated Major General Magashi (rtd) (minister) described the present NAFRC complex under the leadership of the Commandant as no longer a rehabilitation centre but a multi dynamic education centre of repute with infrastructure and standards not only in training to attaining international standards, but environment transformed for conducive attainment of set out goals.
Present at the colourful ceremony were the pioneer Commandant of the Centre, Major General Olufemi Olutoye (rtd), who is presently the Oba of Idoani in Ondo state. He represented former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Aliyu Wamako and Chairman House Committee on Defence, Hon Jimi Benson led members of National Assembly to the ceremony.
Former Commandants who graced the occasion included AVMs Aroriode, AVM Ileoyanci, AVM Usoro and AVM Jekenu.Also present was Mrs Onari Duke of Empretec.
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