AFCRD 2026: CDS Fetes Troops in Night of Entertainment, Pledges Welfare Reforms
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) that concrete steps are being taken to improve their overall welfare, describing the process as ongoing and receiving support at the highest level of government.
This was contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Major GeneralSamaila Uba, on Monday, January 12, 2026.
General Oluyede gave the assurance while delivering his address at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Social Night, a special event organised by the Defence Headquarters to honour serving personnel and veterans while remembering the fallen heroes.
The CDS urged personnel to remain resolute, hopeful and steadfast, reassuring them that positive changes were imminent and that the year 2026 would usher in improved welfare conditions for members of the Armed Forces.
He further stressed that beyond the welfare of serving personnel, the Defence Headquarters is also deeply concerned about the wellbeing of retired officers and men, particularly the challenge of sustainable engagement after retirement. He disclosed that, with the approval and support of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Defence Headquarters is engaging financial institutions to provide soft loan schemes for spouses of service personnel at highly reduced interest rates.
The Defence Chief averred that the initiative is designed to support viable business ventures, promote family stability and guarantee long-term livelihoods for military families. He further announced ongoing engagements aimed at expanding access to housing loans to complement existing respective Services’ housing schemes, with the objective of ensuring that personnel retire with personal homes, sustainable sources of income and a sense of fulfilment after years of dedicated service to the nation.
Drawing inspiration from football, the CDS reassured troops with the famous Liverpool Football Club’s motto, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” stressing that the Armed Forces leadership remains committed to standing by all personnel serving and retired. He commended serving personnel for their resilience, courage and professionalism across all theatres of operation, from the northern savannahs to the southern creeks to Nigeria’s airspace.
The CDS also acknowledged the immense contributions of military families, describing them as “silent heroes” whose patience, prayers and sacrifices continue to sustain the morale and fighting spirit of the Armed Forces.
General Oluyede expressed profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Bola Ahmed Tinunu for his unwavering commitment to strengthening the operational capability, welfare and morale of the Armed Forces. He also commended the Service Chiefs for their leadership strides. The CDS also thanked the organisers of the Social Night for putting together an event that reflects unity, remembrance and appreciation.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Administration (CDA), Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, described the Social Night as a deliberate and special gathering designed to give personnel the opportunity to unwind, reflect and celebrate.
Rear Admiral Kachim noted that the occasion also provides a solemn moment to honour and remember fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in the defence of the nation, stressing that their sacrifices remain a timeless source of inspiration to serving personnel.
The Social Night was part of the activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
In attendance were the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W Shaibu, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I Abbas, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal SK Aneke and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General EAP Undiandeye. Highpoints of the event were performances by legendary music icons Tuface Idibia, Zule zoo, Magnito amongst others.
