Former Chief of Defence Staff, retired Adm. Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim has urged retired military personnel to remain active contributors to national development.

Mr Ibrahim made the call at the 41st Anniversary Reunion Dinner of the 6th Regular Course Alumni Association of the Naval War College on Saturday in Abuja.

He said retirement from service should not mean retirement from serving Nigeria, adding that experience, knowledge, and leadership acquired during military service remain invaluable to nation-building.

According to him, those virtues should be channelled into mentoring younger generations and strengthening national institutions.

“Retirement from active service does not mean retirement from national service. Our country still needs our wisdom, mentorship, and counsel,” he said.

The former defence chief noted that the changing global security environment requires Nigeria to build resilient institutions, develop indigenous capabilities, and invest in human resources to safeguard its sovereignty.

He said national security no longer depends solely on external support, as countries are increasingly looking inward to protect their interests.

Mr Ibrahim described personnel as the military’s greatest asset, saying character, professionalism, and mutual trust remained more valuable than weapons and equipment.

“Rank may command obedience, but character earns respect. Long after retirement, people remember not the positions we occupied but the values we lived by and the lives we touched,” he said.

He commended members of the 6th Regular Course for sustaining the spirit of military brotherhood over the past 41 years and for supporting one another and the families of deceased colleagues.

The retired admiral also acknowledged the sacrifices of military spouses and families, saying their patience and resilience were critical to the success of military careers.

He urged the alumni to continue upholding the values of integrity, discipline, loyalty and patriotism, stressing that an officer’s greatest legacy lay in character, enduring friendships, and positive contributions to society.

Earlier, the president of the alumni association, retired Commodore Alex Nimyel, urged members to continue upholding the values of unity, loyalty, professionalism, and brotherhood that defined their years in service.

Speaking on the topic, “Humanity, Human Resources, and the Wealth of Brotherhood,” retired Rear Adm. Elkana Jaiyeola urged retired officers to prioritise genuine relationships over social status.

Mr Jaiyeola warned that many people silently battle financial, emotional, and health challenges while pretending all is well.

He encouraged members to create an environment where colleagues could openly seek help without fear of stigma.

(NAN)