“You Will Never Walk Alone,” CDS Assures Troops of Improved Welfare
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“You Will Never Walk Alone,” CDS Assures Troops of Improved Welfare
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) that they will never be abandoned, as the military high command intensifies welfare reforms aimed at improving the living and service conditions of both serving and retired personnel.
General Oluyede gave the assurance at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Social Night organised by the Defence Headquarters, where he anchored his message on the powerful theme, “You Will Never Walk Alone.”
Addressing troops, veterans and senior officers at the event, the CDS said concrete steps were already being taken to improve welfare across board, describing the process as ongoing and enjoying the full backing of the Federal Government at the highest level.
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According to him, the message “You Will Never Walk Alone” reflects the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces leadership to stand by its personnel in service, in retirement and even beyond, in recognition of the sacrifices they make in defence of the nation.
He urged troops to remain resolute, hopeful and steadfast, assuring them that 2026 would usher in tangible improvements in welfare, morale and general well-being of military personnel.
“The Armed Forces leadership understands the weight of your sacrifices. Our message to every officer and soldier is clear: you will never walk alone. The institution and the nation stand with you,” the CDS said.
General Oluyede disclosed that, beyond the welfare of serving personnel, the Defence Headquarters was equally concerned about the post-service wellbeing of retired officers and men, particularly in the area of sustainable livelihoods after retirement.
He revealed that, with the approval and support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Defence Headquarters was engaging financial institutions to provide soft loan schemes for spouses of service personnel at highly reduced interest rates.
The CDS explained that the initiative was designed to support viable business ventures, strengthen family stability and guarantee long-term economic security for military families.
He further announced ongoing engagements to expand access to housing loans to complement existing housing schemes across the Services, with the aim of ensuring that personnel retire with personal homes, sustainable income sources and a sense of fulfilment after years of dedicated service.
Drawing inspiration from football, General Oluyede referenced the famous Liverpool Football Club anthem, “You Will Never Walk Alone,” stressing that the phrase best captures the bond between the Armed Forces leadership and its personnel, both serving and retired.
He commended troops for their resilience, courage and professionalism across all theatres of operation, spanning the northern savannahs, southern creeks and Nigeria’s airspace, noting that their commitment remains critical to national stability.
The Defence Chief also paid glowing tribute to 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 appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to strengthening the operational capability, welfare and morale of the Armed Forces, while also commending the Service Chiefs for their leadership and dedication.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Administration (CDA), Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, described the Social Night as a deliberate gathering designed to allow personnel to unwind, reflect and celebrate, while also honouring fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation.
Rear Admiral Kachim noted that the sacrifices of fallen servicemen and women remain a timeless source of inspiration to serving personnel.
The Social Night formed part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day and was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. Abbas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal S.K. Aneke; and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General E.A.P. Undiandeye.
Highpoints of the event included performances by renowned music icons such as Tuface Idibia, Zule Zoo and Magnito, adding colour and warmth to an evening defined by unity, remembrance and reassurance.
