Economic hardship: FG unveils digital welfare scheme for Armed Forces personnel, veterans

The Federal Government on Thursday unveiled an online discount shop to provide affordable access to essential goods for Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families.

The initiative, according to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, was part of efforts to strengthen the welfare framework for those serving and those who had served the nation.

Akume, who made this known at the launch of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Personnel Online Discount Shop, said the welfare of military personnel extended beyond the provision of operational capabilities to ensuring the wellbeing of personnel and their families.

He said the initiative would improve access to essential goods and services, ease financial pressures and enhance the quality of life of personnel and their families.

“The welfare of those who serve a nation is a responsibility that extends beyond the provision of operational capabilities.

“A motivated and resilient Armed Forces is sustained by the assurance of the wellbeing of each personnel and their families,” he said.

The SGF, while noting that the platform also demonstrated the value of innovation and strategic partnerships in addressing contemporary welfare needs through digital technology, said serving and retired personnel would have convenient access to a range of goods at discounted prices through the platform.

He said: “This is an example of how technology and strategic partnerships can be harnessed to deliver practical benefits to citizens who have dedicated themselves to the service and security of our dear nation.”

The SGF, while commending the inclusion of veterans and their families for their sacrifices and contributions, said they deserved continued recognition and support.

He also commended Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group for signing the Memorandum of Understanding underpinning the initiative.

“The credibility of this initiative will ultimately be measured by the quality of service it provides and the tangible benefits it delivers to personnel, veterans and their families,” he said.

The SGF urged the management of the platform to ensure transparency, reliability and continuous improvement in service delivery.

He also encouraged eligible personnel and veterans to make effective use of the platform.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said the initiative was more than an online shopping platform, describing it as an expression of the Federal Government’s commitment to people-centred welfare for the Armed Forces.

Oluyede said the scheme would provide serving and retired personnel and their families with convenient access to essential goods at discounted and affordable prices.

“It is important to note that this initiative is not only about discounts and online shopping, but a clear expression of the Federal Government’s continuous efforts at people-centred welfare for the Armed Forces,” he said.

The CDS said sound administration and welfare were integral to building a motivated, resilient and effective Armed Forces.

He said practical measures were required to improve morale and support families of troops who constantly bore the burden of their absence.

Oluyede said the military would continue to leverage technology and strategic partnerships to improve welfare and service delivery.

He said accurate data would be critical to the sustainability and expansion of the scheme, noting that technological advancement required continuous adaptation.

“In essence, we must build a robust foundation with accurate data for this scheme to endure far ahead of our time, and this can only be achieved through our collective efforts,” he said.

The CDS disclosed that the initiative would be expanded to accommodate more vendors and essential commodities.

“Like the representative from Zinox Group said, this is just the beginning. We are partnering with Konga, but we intend to bring other vendors on board,” he said.

He said: “We are trying to interface with the likes of Dangote Cement so that people can have access to building materials and other essential goods that can make their lives better.”

Oluyede also disclosed plans for physical shops where military personnel would be able to access goods and services at discounted prices.

He urged personnel and veterans to make judicious use of the platform and called for its continuous improvement.

In his address, the Chairman of Zinox Group, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, represented by the General Manager, Corporate Governance, Konga, Mr Reginald Obiako, said the group was delighted to support the initiative.

Ekeh said the partnership represented the group’s modest contribution towards appreciating the sacrifices and dedication of Armed Forces personnel.

He said the online discount shop would enable personnel and their families to access a range of products at discounted prices.

“Zinox is delighted to support this wonderful initiative, which is our modest way of appreciating the sacrifice and dedication to the service of our Armed Forces.

“We believe that those who serve and protect our nation deserve our support and appreciation,” he said.

Ekeh congratulated the Armed Forces on the launch and expressed the group’s commitment to the continued success of the scheme.

The initiative is being implemented through a partnership between Defence Headquarters and Zinox/Konga to provide discounted goods to eligible members of the Armed Forces community.

Konga’s existing platform provides online access to categories including electronics, home and kitchen products, groceries, fashion and other household essentials.

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