FG Launches Online Discount Shop for Military Personnel, Veterans

Senator George Akume 

"A motivated and resilient Armed Forces is sustained by the assurance that the wellbeing of its personnel and families remains a priority." Akume

.... Says "the online discount platform would help ease financial pressures by providing beneficiaries with convenient access to essential goods and services at discounted prices.

.... Highlights the role of technology in the initiative, noting that the platform leverages the Konga digital marketplace in partnership with Zinox Group.

The Federal Government has launched the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) Personnel Online Discount Shop, a digital welfare initiative aimed at easing financial pressure on serving military personnel, veterans and their families.

The initiative was formally launched in Abuja on Thursday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who described it as a practical step towards improving the welfare and quality of life of those who serve and have served the nation.

Akume commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General O.O. Oluyede, Defence Headquarters and other stakeholders for conceiving and delivering the initiative, stressing that the welfare of military personnel must extend beyond their operational capabilities.

According to him, a motivated and resilient Armed Forces is sustained by the assurance that the wellbeing of its personnel and families remains a priority.

He said the online discount platform would help ease financial pressures by providing beneficiaries with convenient access to essential goods and services at discounted prices.

The SGF also highlighted the role of technology in the initiative, noting that the platform leverages the Konga digital marketplace in partnership with Zinox Group.

He said the initiative demonstrated how technology and strategic private-sector partnerships could be deployed to deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians who have dedicated themselves to national service and security.

Akume particularly welcomed the inclusion of veterans and their families in the scheme, saying their sacrifices and contributions during periods of peace and national security challenges deserved continued recognition and support.

Earlier, Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide a framework for sustained cooperation between the military and the private sector.

The SGF said the agreement demonstrated the possibilities of combining the capabilities of public institutions and responsible private organisations in pursuit of shared national objectives.

He, however, charged Defence Headquarters and other stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of the initiative remained transparent, reliable and responsive to the needs of beneficiaries.

Akume said the credibility of the scheme would ultimately be determined by the quality of service provided and the tangible benefits delivered to military personnel, veterans and their families.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support and commitment to the welfare of the nation's military under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The SGF subsequently urged eligible personnel and veterans to make effective use of the platform and formally declared the AFN Personnel Online Discount Shop open for beneficiaries.