By Elizabeth Tanko
Abuja, Nigeria — The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has launched the Armed Forces of Nigeria Personnel/Veterans Online Discount Shop, a digital welfare initiative designed to enable serving personnel, veterans and their families to access essential goods at discounted prices.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, officially launched the platform at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, where he described it as a practical intervention to support the welfare of military personnel and their families.
Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, in a statement said, Akume, who was Special Guest of Honour, said military welfare goes beyond occupational amenities, stressing that the wellbeing of personnel and their families remains essential to sustaining a motivated and resilient Armed Forces.
He commended the DHQ and Zinox Group for the partnership, noting that it demonstrates the potential of leveraging digital technology to address contemporary welfare needs.
He however emphasizlsed the need for transparency, reliability and continuous improvement of the platform, adding that its credibility would be determined by quality of service and tangible benefits to beneficiaries.
The SGF particularly welcomed the inclusion of veterans and their families, saying their sacrifices to national service deserve continued recognition and support.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, described the online discount shop as a practical expression of the Armed Forces’ commitment to personnel welfare.
He said the initiative goes beyond providing discounted goods, representing a people-centred approach to improving livelihoods through digital innovation and strategic partnerships.
Gen. Oluyede disclosed that DHQ would develop a robust database leveraging existing Service platforms and pension records to facilitate effective implementation. He revealed plans to expand the platform to accommodate additional vendors, including suppliers of building materials and other essential commodities, as well as establish physical outlets in the future.
The Chairman of Zinox Group, Chief Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, represented by the company’s General Manager, Corporate Governance, Mr. Reginald Obiako, said the partnership was Zinox’s contribution towards recognizing the sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces, noting that the platform would provide convenient access to quality products at preferential prices.
Earlier, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Idris Alhaji, said the Discount Scheme was one of several welfare initiatives being introduced under the CDS’s ‘Soldier First’ leadership principle, reflecting the commitment of the Commander-in-Chief to improving welfare of serving personnel, veterans and their families.
Highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group to formalise the partnership. The agreement was signed by Gen. Oluyede on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Chief Ekeh on behalf of Zinox Group.
According to DHQ, the launch underscores its commitment to welfare through digital innovation and strategic partnerships.
