Troops, veterans get digital welfare boost as Defence HQ launches discount platform

.... As Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, describes the online discount shop as a practical expression of the Armed Forces' commitment to personnel welfare.

.... Says "the initiative goes beyond discounted goods, describing it as a people-centred approach to improving the livelihoods of serving personnel, veterans and their families through digital innovation and strategic partnerships."

"The wellbeing of personnel and their families was critical to sustaining a motivated and resilient Armed Forces, adding that military welfare should extend beyond occupational amenities." Akume

.... Commends the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group for the partnership.

.... Says it demonstrates how digital technology could be deployed to address contemporary welfare needs.

The Defence Headquarters has launched an online discount shop for serving and retired personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and their families, as part of efforts to strengthen military welfare through digital innovation.

The initiative, formally launched in Abuja on Thursday, was unveiled at an event attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, as Special Guest of Honour.

Speaking at the launch, Akume described the initiative as a practical intervention aimed at supporting the welfare of military personnel and their families.

He said the wellbeing of personnel and their families was critical to sustaining a motivated and resilient Armed Forces, adding that military welfare should extend beyond occupational amenities.

The SGF commended the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group for the partnership, saying it demonstrated how digital technology could be deployed to address contemporary welfare needs.

He, however, stressed the need for transparency, reliability and continuous improvement of the platform, noting that its credibility would ultimately depend on the quality of services and tangible benefits delivered to beneficiaries.

Akume also welcomed the inclusion of veterans and their families in the scheme, saying their sacrifices and contributions to national service deserved continued recognition and support.

He urged all stakeholders to sustain the initiative and ensure that eligible beneficiaries derive maximum value from the platform.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, described the online discount shop as a practical expression of the Armed Forces' commitment to personnel welfare.

Oluyede said the initiative goes beyond discounted goods, describing it as a people-centred approach to improving the livelihoods of serving personnel, veterans and their families through digital innovation and strategic partnerships.

He disclosed that the Defence Headquarters would develop a robust database, leveraging existing Service platforms and pension records, to facilitate effective implementation of the scheme.

According to him, the platform would also be expanded to accommodate more vendors, including suppliers of building materials and other essential commodities, while plans were underway to establish physical outlets in the future.

Also speaking, 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 the group's contribution towards recognising the sacrifices and dedication of members of the Armed Forces.

He said the platform would give beneficiaries convenient access to quality products at preferential prices.

Earlier, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Idris Alhaji, said the Defence Discount Scheme was one of several welfare initiatives being introduced under the Chief of Defence Staff's "Soldier First" leadership principle.

He said the initiative reflected the commitment of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to improving the welfare of serving personnel, veterans and their families.

A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group to formalise the partnership.

The MoU was signed by General Olufemi Oluyede on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Chief Dr Leo Stan Ekeh on behalf of Zinox Group.

The launch, according to a statement signed by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, on September 24, 2026, underscores the Defence Headquarters' commitment to strengthening personnel and veteran welfare through digital innovation, strategic partnerships and practical interventions.

Pictures of the event