RANAO seeks improved welfare package for retired officers

Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers ( RANAO) Association of Nigeria has appealed to the Federal Government to improve on the welfare of retired military officers in the country.

National president of RANAO, Axinda Mshelbwala made the call during the 32nd anniversary of the association held in Kaduna.

According to the retired army general, the military served the country diligently, protecting the people and its territory while some paid the supreme price.

He explained that the country can best appreciate the sacrifices of the soldiers by taking their welfare seriously.

He noted that the welfare of the retired soldiers was not limited to their pension alone, but also issues affecting their medi

cals and accommodation.

He commended the Federal Government for including them in the National Health Insurance Scheme, but said treatment for some the ailments affecting the soldiers are not listed on the scheme.

He further said some of them are carrying old wounds sustained during services years and as they are getting older the wounds are resurfacing and must be treated.

Mshelbwala encouraged soldiers still in active service to put in their best in the service of their motherland.

Chairman board of trustees of the association, Zamani Lekwot, a retired army general on his part, back a call for the establishment of a ministry to look after the elderly people.

Lekwot said that the association would put its think tank together and find a way of passing such suggestion to the government.