Uzoma Mba
In a powerful display of solidarity and commitment to their welfare, the Logistics Command of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) recently hosted its mid-year Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Veterans’ Parley in Lagos bringing together retired personnel in a purposeful reunion.
The event, held at the NAFOWA Multipurpose Hall, Headquarters Logistics Command, Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja, was one of many conducted nationwide across all NAF formations.
With the theme “Work-Life Balance” and topic “Redefining Purpose After Military Service”, the Lagos end of the parley was hosted by the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Adeniran Ademuwagun. According to him, it served not only as a forum for shared experiences and reflection, but also as a health-centred outreach aimed at supporting the wellbeing of NAF veterans.
Reconnecting with Purpose
The event’s centrepiece was a lecture by Air Vice Marshal Benjamin O. Obadan (Rtd), who addressed the emotional and practical challenges many service members face as they transition into civilian life.
In his presentation titled “Redefining Purpose After Military Service”, AVM Obadan identified four major challenges: loss of identity, lack of structure, difficulty translating military-acquired skills, and mental health issues.
He emphasised that redefining purpose is not an endpoint but “a journey of self-discovery and growth.” According to him, finding new meaning is crucial because it provides direction and focus, fosters a sense of fulfilment, and supports mental wellbeing.
He encouraged veterans to identify their core values, connect with fellow ex-service members, seek mentorship and support groups, and give back through volunteering in their communities.
“These steps help to reignite that sense of mission,” he said, adding that transitioning from active duty to civilian life should be seen as an opportunity for growth, not an ending.
Caring for the Body as Well as the Spirit
Another important highlight was the health talk on “Falling in the Elderly,” delivered by a consultant family physician. Veterans were educated on the causes, risk factors and consequences of falls, which remain a major health hazard among the elderly.
The physician stressed the importance of preventive measures, such as regular exercise, staying active, taking medication responsibly, ensuring good lighting in living spaces, and decluttering homes to avoid accidents. Beyond health advice, the session allowed veterans to interact directly with medical professionals in a panel-style outreach designed to listen to their concerns and offer tailored advice.
Air Force Leadership Shows Up for Veterans
Although the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, could not attend in person, he was ably represented by the Air Secretary, AVM Ahmed Bakare, who spoke candidly about the vision behind the parley.
“The programme unites veterans, builds a realisation that their skill sets are still relevant, and serves as a medical outreach platform where we hear their complaints,” he said. He described the event as a continuation of the CAS’s commitment to honouring veterans’ sacrifices after decades of service. “This is the second edition,” AVM Bakare noted, “and we’ve already recorded more positive responses than the last. It shows how impactful this engagement is.”
The CAS’s message was clear: veterans are not forgotten. In a nationwide address, Air Marshal Abubakar described the parley as “a national call to remembrance, reflection, and reconnection,” and pledged ongoing improvements to healthcare, pensions, and welfare. “This is your home,” he assured them, “and your voice will always count.”
For many of the retirees, the event felt like a homecoming. One veteran became visibly emotional during the interactive session, remarking that they had “never felt as seen” as they did that day. The atmosphere throughout the parley was a blend of heartfelt stories, institutional pride, and forward-looking dialogue.
In bringing veterans back into the fold, the NAF not only honoured its past but reaffirmed its enduring commitment to every man and woman who has ever worn its uniform. The CAS Veterans’ Parley continues to stand as a testament to the bonds of service, sacrifice and legacy that define the Nigerian Air Force.
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