The Women Against Terrorism and Insurgency (WATI) has expressed support for the newly launched Armed Forces of Nigeria Personnel Online Discount Shop, describing it as a welfare measure that will strengthen the morale of serving military personnel, veterans, and their families. According to WATI, this initiative by the Defence Headquarters provides a practical mechanism for members of the Armed Forces community to access essential goods at preferential prices.
The Convener of WATI, Dr. Veronica Bazuaye, noted that military personnel operate in demanding environments across Nigeria, making welfare support crucial to maintaining morale and sustaining an effective and resilient Armed Forces. The inclusion of veterans and their families in the scheme is particularly significant, as it extends welfare considerations to personnel who have completed their years of active service.
WATI welcomed plans by the Defence Headquarters to expand the platform by bringing more vendors and categories of essential commodities onto the scheme, including building materials. This proposed expansion could increase the practical value of the initiative and provide beneficiaries with a wider range of options. The group commended the Defence Headquarters and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for introducing the initiative.
The organisation praised the partnership between the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group, saying it demonstrates how technology and private-sector partnerships can be applied to address specific welfare needs within the Armed Forces community. Programmes that reduce financial pressures on military families can complement broader efforts to maintain the morale, resilience, and effectiveness of personnel serving in various theatres of operation.
WATI noted that while operational capabilities remain central to the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and other security threats, the welfare of personnel and their families also deserves sustained attention. The group expressed hope that the online discount scheme would be implemented efficiently and transparently and that its coverage would continue to expand to reach more eligible personnel, veterans, and their dependants.
The organisation reaffirmed its support for initiatives that improve the welfare and wellbeing of members of the Armed Forces and their families, describing such measures as an important part of supporting those engaged in Nigeria's security operations. WATI's endorsement of the initiative underscores the importance of addressing the welfare needs of military personnel and their families.
Key points
- The initiative provides a practical mechanism for members of the Armed Forces community to access essential goods at preferential prices.
- The proposed expansion of the platform could increase the practical value of the initiative and provide beneficiaries with a wider range of options.
- The partnership between the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group demonstrates how technology and private-sector partnerships can be applied to address specific welfare needs within the Armed Forces community.
