LAGOS/Nigeria: Seventeen military officers drawn from the Defence Headquarters, Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) have graduated from the Senior and Mid-Level Upside Entrepreneurship and Management Course 18 of 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen post-service preparedness and enterprise development among personnel.
The graduation ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour and Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard Ltd., Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, said the programme was designed to prepare participants for self-reliance, effective leadership and productive engagement after active military service.
He described the quarterly implementation of the Upside Entrepreneurship and Management Course as a commendable initiative and lauded NAFRC for sustaining its role in human capacity development.
According to him, the Centre has over the years positioned itself as a strategic institution for empowerment and socio-economic transformation by equipping serving and retiring military personnel with vocational, entrepreneurial and managerial skills.
“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,” Shehu said.
He explained that the training covered practical areas including agriculture, food processing, packaging, entrepreneurship development and business management.
Shehu also highlighted the importance of local and international study tours integrated into the programme, noting that they exposed participants to modern enterprise systems and business operations.
“These experiences are essential in bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application,” he stated.
The Rear Admiral noted that the changing global environment, driven by economic realities, technological advancement and competition, now demands innovation, adaptability and strong 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 added.
He urged the graduates to regard retirement as the beginning of another phase of service through enterprise development, mentorship and innovation.
“The country still needs your discipline, leadership qualities, integrity, resilience and wealth of experience more than ever,” he said.
Earlier, Commandant of NAFRC, Nnaemeka Ilo, disclosed plans to expand the programme to accommodate personnel from other security agencies under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Customs, Immigration and other security services approaching retirement would soon benefit from the programme.
“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 stated.
Also speaking, Mrs Onari Duke of the Empretec Nigeria Foundation said the organisation remained committed to supporting the programme aimed at preparing military personnel for life after service.
She expressed confidence that beneficiaries would transfer their discipline and leadership culture into business and entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to national development.
Duke added that the values and experiences acquired during military service would continue to impact future generations positively.
