ARMY URGES PERSONNEL TO BUILD FINANCIAL SECURITY BEFORE RETIREMENT

The General Officer Commanding 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has advised officers and soldiers to exercise financial discipline, make informed investment choices and plan properly for life after military service.

Babalola gave the advice on August 27, 2026, during a one-day seminar on financial wellness and investment education held at the Hippo Officers’ Mess, Outer Marina, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was organised to improve the financial knowledge of personnel across the division.

Represented by the Chief of Staff, Headquarters 81 Division, Brigadier General M.I. Abdulkadir, the GOC said military personnel needed sound knowledge of personal financial management just as they were trained to manage troops, equipment and operational resources.

He noted that financial stability could contribute significantly to family security, peace of mind and professional effectiveness. According to him, personnel who are financially stable are better positioned to concentrate on their duties without being distracted by avoidable financial difficulties.

Babalola urged participants to acquire practical knowledge of investment opportunities, wealth creation and retirement planning. He encouraged them to apply the lessons from the seminar and avoid financial decisions that could undermine the benefits accumulated during their years of service.

The Army commander said the initiative was consistent with the Nigerian Army’s “Soldier First” philosophy and the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.

He stressed that personnel should not rush into investment opportunities simply because they appeared profitable. Instead, they should carefully assess available options, understand the associated risks and seek appropriate guidance before committing their resources.

The Deputy Chief of Staff, Training and Operations, Colonel M.S. Musa, also described the seminar as timely, particularly against the backdrop of current economic realities and the rising cost of living.

Musa expressed confidence that the programme would help promote greater financial discipline among personnel and equip them with the knowledge required to make responsible investment decisions.

The seminar featured presentations by financial experts Charles Fakrohgha and Segun Aremu, who addressed issues including financial wellness, sustainable wealth creation, retirement planning and long-term financial security.

Personnel drawn from various units within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility participated actively in the programme, asking questions and engaging with the speakers on practical issues surrounding personal finance and investment.

The seminar concluded with the presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph involving participants and officials.

The Army has continued to place emphasis on the welfare of its personnel, recognising that financial wellbeing can play an important role in improving morale and productivity.

The latest initiative is therefore aimed not only at helping soldiers manage their earnings while in active service but also at preparing them for a financially secure future after leaving the military.

The Nigerian Army is expected to continue promoting programmes that support the welfare and professional development of its personnel as part of its broader Soldier First approach.