Defence
SEVENTEEN military officers drawn from the Defence Headquarters, Defence Intelligence Agency, and the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre on Tuesday graduated from the Senior and Mid-Level Upside Entrepreneurship and Management Course 18 of 2026.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the graduation ceremony was held at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in Oshodi, Lagos.
The Special Guest of Honour, Rear Adm. Ibrahim Shehu, said the training programme was designed to prepare participants for self-reliance, effective leadership, and meaningful contributions to national development after active service.
Shehu, who is the Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard Ltd., described the decision to conduct the Upside Entrepreneurship and Management Course on a quarterly basis as commendable.
He noted that NAFRC had continued to distinguish itself as a strategic institution for human capacity development, empowerment, and socio-economic transformation in Nigeria.
“Over the years, the Centre has consistently equipped retiring and serving personnel of the Armed Forces with vocational, entrepreneurial and managerial skills necessary for successful transition into productive civilian life.
“Through these efforts, many former participants have become successful entrepreneurs, administrators, employers of labour, industrialists and community leaders, contributing meaningfully to national growth and stability,” he said.
He added that the course featured practical exposure in agriculture, food processing, packaging, entrepreneurship development and business management.
He also highlighted the importance of local and international study tours, which he said provided participants with valuable insights into modern enterprise management and business operations.
“These experiences are essential in bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application,” he said.
Shehu emphasised that the rapidly changing global environment, driven by economic realities, technological advancement and competition, required creativity, adaptability, innovation and sound managerial competence.
“Entrepreneurship is no longer an option but a necessity for sustainable economic growth, job creation and national stability.
“Therefore, the training received by the graduates is timely, strategic and highly relevant to present realities,” he said.
He urged the participants to see retirement from active service as the beginning of a new phase filled with opportunities for innovation, enterprise development, mentorship and continued service to society.
“The country still needs your discipline, leadership qualities, integrity, resilience and wealth of experience more than ever.
“You should make effective use of the knowledge and skills acquired during this programme and become ambassadors of peace, unity and development in your communities,” he added.
Shehu also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for providing the resources to ensure a dignified post-service life for military personnel.
Earlier, the Commandant of NAFRC, Nnaemeka Ilo, said the programme would be expanded to accommodate other security agencies in line with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.
“We intend to extend participation to personnel of the police, customs, immigration and other security services to benefit from this programme as they approach retirement.
“This expansion is expected to commence with the next course, scheduled for August,” Ilo said.
Also speaking, Mrs Onari Duke of Empretec Nigeria Foundation said the organisation was pleased to partner with NAFRC in delivering the course.
She said the programme prepared participants for post-service life by equipping them with enterprise, innovation and business development skills.
“We look forward to seeing them take leadership roles in the business sector and transfer their discipline and work culture into their ventures.
“This will help instill strong values in younger generations and strengthen the business environment,” she said.
Duke added that the knowledge and experience acquired during military service would continue to benefit the nation and future generations.
F.O
Tags: NAFRC training