NAFRC Graduates Officers in Entrepreneurship Course

The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in Oshodi, Lagos, has graduated senior and mid-level officers under its Entrepreneurship and Management Course 18/2026, with officials urging participants to apply their training toward national development and post-service economic stability.

The graduation ceremony, held on May 26, 2026, brought together military officials, facilitators, and partners, including the Empretec Nigeria Foundation, which collaborated with NAFRC on the programme.

Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius Ilo, said the course was designed to equip officers with entrepreneurship and management skills for leadership and life after active service.

“I am confident that our graduating participants are now better equipped to excel in leadership, enterprise development and business management,” Ilo said. “Please be good ambassadors of the Centre and apply the knowledge gained effectively.”

He thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, the service chiefs, the Minister of Defence, and President Bola Tinubu for supporting capacity-building initiatives in the armed forces.

The Special Guest of Honour, Rear Admiral I.E. Shehu, described the programme as a strategic tool for national transformation and economic empowerment.

He said the training reflects a broader national need for innovation and adaptability in a changing global economy.

“The world today demands creativity, innovation and sound managerial competence,” Shehu said. “Entrepreneurship is no longer an option but a necessity for sustainable growth and job creation.”

He urged graduates to see retirement or transition from service as an opportunity for renewed purpose, enterprise development, and community impact.

“The country still needs your discipline, leadership and experience,” he added. “Go forth and become ambassadors of peace, unity and development.”

Empretec Nigeria Foundation Country Representative, Her Excellency Dr. Onari Duke, also praised the graduates and described the programme as a turning point in their professional development.

She highlighted a study tour to Tropical General Investments (TGI Group), describing it as a milestone in experiential learning for participants.

“You have been exposed to real-world enterprise operations at a global level,” Duke said. “This bridge's the gap between theory and practice and sets a new standard for learning.”

She said the partnership between Empretec and NAFRC was aimed at building economic empowerment and self-reliance among military personnel transitioning into civilian life.

Duke urged the graduates to apply their knowledge to create businesses, generate employment, and contribute to national growth.

The NAFRC reaffirmed its commitment to training and reorientation programmes that support officers’ transition into productive post-service careers.