The International Human Rights Commission–Relief Fund Trust (IHRC–RFT), Nigeria Chapter, has called on the government, private sector, and the general public to take concrete steps toward improving the welfare of retired officers, civil servants, and others who dedicated their lives to national service.
In a statement on Tuesday, IHRC–RFT Nigeria Country Director, Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, to mark the 2025 Veterans’ Remembrance Day, the organization described veterans as “the pillars upon which the nation’s peace, security, and progress stand,” noting that they sacrificed their time, strength, and health to safeguard the country’s unity and dignity.
Ambassador Adamu, however, expressed concern that many veterans now face severe hardships after retirement, including inadequate pensions, poor access to medical care, and neglect from the institutions they once served.
“Some of these heroes struggle to afford food, medicine, or even their daily needs.
“It is not enough to remember them once a year; we must take practical steps to support them through welfare programs, healthcare access, and other forms of assistance,” he said.
He urged the federal and state governments to strengthen existing support systems and called on corporate organizations and philanthropists to contribute to initiatives that promote the well-being of retired service personnel.
Amb. Adamu prayed for the nation’s veterans, asking Allah to grant them good health, renewed strength, and abundant reward for their sacrifices.
He concluded, “Honoring our veterans is honoring the nation’s history.”
