Dambazzau wants military veterans engaged in tackling insecurity
A Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahaman Dambazzau says Nigeria should utilise military veterans’ experiences, expertise and skills in tackling its security and developmental challenges.
Dambazzau made the call while speaking on the role of military veterans at the 45th Reunion and Gala Night of the 18 Regular Course Alumni of the Nigerian Defence Academy on Sunday in Abuja.
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He said the country largely under-utilised the experiences, expertise and skills garnered by the veterans.
According to him, there is a need to examine how these categories of Nigerian citizens could contribute to tackling the country’s security challenges and national development.
Dambazau said the veterans have priceless traits ingrained in them through their training and experience.
“Such strength represented in their values include self-discipline, sincerity, honesty, integrity, courage and loyalty.
“Veterans are also for collective ownership of problems, issues and challenges by virtue of their Esprit de corps and have possessed oriented thinking that is invaluable for a fast-paced work environment.
“Military veterans have a wealth of experience and diverse talents unlikely to be found in any other group and have served Nigeria while upholding the highest standards of performance in the most extraordinary situations,” he said.
The former army chief said Nigeria should not allow the experiences to be wasted.
Dambazzau said the current security situation in Nigeria required every hand to tackle it, adding that military veterans could also be employed in training service personnel, especially where there are shortages.
He said some skilled instructors could be engaged in providing consultancy services or as advisors on technical areas of the profession.
According to him, veterans have other roles to play in national development beyond their specific role in the military.
“In terms of training, core values, discipline, orderliness, organisation, and professionalism, the institution of the military stands out well above civilian institutions.
“Although the military is a provision on its own, it has civil provisions such as medical and allied health, engineering, legal, pharmaceuticals, nursing, architecture, etcetera.
“The organisation of the military constitutes combat arms and combat support services that make it a nation of its own.
