The Cross River State Governor, Sen Prof Ben Ayade has posited that disengagement from service by military personnel is a gratifying phase in the life of every military personnel. He made the assertion in Calabar while declaring open the first quarter of 2023 Veteran Affairs Seminar/Workshop of the Army Headquarters Department of Administration held at Dannic Hotels, Calabar.

The Governor who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Prof Ivara Esu noted that the workshop and seminar drew participants from different states who served the Armed Forces of Nigeria meritoriously and contributed to the peace of the nation.
He further stated that the seminar/workshop with the theme, “Institutionalizing Nigeria Army Veterans Wealth of Experience as a Force Multiplier in Military Training and Operations”, will form forum for serving and retired personnel to share experiences and identity gaps in the operations of the Nigerian Military.
Prof Ayade expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya for his visionary leadership and strategic thinking in conceiving the idea of organizing the seminar/workshop for the veterans.
He then advised the Nigeria Army to ensure that the weaknesses in the society are identified and addressed accordingly as it is desirous of meeting the expectations of Nigerians.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya who was represented at the event by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division of Nigerian Army, Major General A. S. Chinade, intimated the participants that the seminar was to afford them the opportunity to appraise and to see to the general welfare of the retirees of the Nigerian Army.
He maintained that the Nigerian Army has always seen to the relevance of the Nigerian Army Veterans in the overall security architecture as obtained in other climes. He described the theme of the event as apt, especially in the complex and in dynamic security environment in the country.
The Chief of Army Staff therefore explained that the workshop will focus on the imperatives of the Nigerian Veterans towards enhanced military training and workshop.

On the other hand, the National Chairman of Nigerian Legion, Major General Abdulmalik Jubril (rtd), expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff and the Nigerian Army for the show of love to the legion. He also expressed satisfaction to the Veteran Affairs Directorate, Defence Headquarters for assistance to the activities and programmes of the legion. He equally pledged on behalf of members of the legion to strengthen the existing cordial relationship between the legion and the Nigerian Army.