New Military Pensions Board chairman promises faster payments and less bureaucracy for veterans.
The Military Pensions Board welcomed a new leadership era on Wednesday as Maj-Gen. Julius Osifo officially assumed office as the 26th chairman during a handing-over ceremony at the board headquarters in Abuja.
Maj-Gen. Julius Osifo pledged to ensure prompt payment of pensions, gratuities, and death benefits to retired military personnel, aiming to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and improve overall veteran welfare, according to information published by punchng.
The transition event marked the end of Air Vice Marshal Mikhail Abdulraheem's tenure, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of teamwork and unwavering dedication to the next of kin and retired armed forces members.
Prioritizing Veteran Welfare and Next of Kin
The new chairman emphasized that his mission is anchored on making benefit payments faster, easier to access, and less cumbersome for rightful recipients across the country. He noted that delays in processing death benefits for families of soldiers killed in action can severely impact troop morale.
Drawing from his personal operational experience, Maj-Gen. Julius Osifo explained that inefficient administration dishonours the memory of fallen heroes and demoralises soldiers currently engaged in combat operations in the field.
Deploying Technology for Efficient Administration
To achieve his strategic objectives, the Military Pensions Board will leverage contemporary smart systems and technology to streamline the disbursement of entitlements. The administration plans to enhance capacity building for board personnel.
Furthermore, the board intends to strengthen institutional collaboration with various military services to proactively identify beneficiaries, ensuring faster processing times and eliminating unnecessary administrative bottlenecks for retirees.
Transition of Leadership in Abuja
Outgoing chairman Air Vice Marshal Mikhail Abdulraheem used his valedictory remarks to thank the officers, soldiers, and civilian staff for their steadfast support throughout his tenure at the Abuja headquarters.
He urged all personnel to extend the same level of commitment to Maj-Gen. Julius Osifo, stressing that the mandate of the board transcends any single individual and requires collective unity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new chairman of the Military Pensions Board?
Maj-Gen. Julius Osifo is the new chairman of the Military Pensions Board, taking over as the 26th head of the agency in Abuja.
What did Maj-Gen. Julius Osifo promise during the handover?
He pledged to ensure prompt, seamless, and less bureaucratic payment of pensions, gratuities, and death benefits to retired military personnel and families of deceased servicemen.
Who was the previous chairman of the Military Pensions Board?
Air Vice Marshal Mikhail Abdulraheem was the outgoing chairman who handed over leadership of the board to Maj-Gen. Julius Osifo.
Why are timely military pension payments important?
Prompt payments honor the sacrifices of fallen soldiers, support their next of kin, and maintain high morale among troops currently engaged in military operations.
