From Uniform to Enterprise: NAFRC, EMPRETEC Equip Officers for Life Beyond Service

In a move to strengthen post-service reintegration and economic self-reliance among military personnel, the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), in partnership with EMPRETEC Nigeria Foundation, has graduated 31 officers from its Entrepreneurship and Management Training Course. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the intensive six-week programme focused on equipping senior and mid-level officers with practical skills in business development, leadership, and agriculture for life after service 

The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), in collaboration with the EMPRETEC Nigeria Foundation, has graduated 31 senior and mid-level officers from its Entrepreneurship and Management Training Course (14/2025), marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to empower military personnel with life-changing business skills.

Held at the Centre’s Resource Complex in Oshodi, Lagos, the six-week intensive course equipped officers with entrepreneurial, vocational and leadership competencies to aid their transition into civilian life. 

The programme included a visit to Songhai Farms in Port Novo, Benin Republic, to underscore the role of agriculture in sustainable business.

Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Bashir Rimi Mamman, Commandant of NAFRC, described the training as a “strategic initiative to boost productivity, self-reliance, and post-service reintegration.”

“You have been empowered to shape the future, turn visions into realities, and contribute to national development,” he told the graduates. “Leadership is not just about authority—it is about empowering others.”

The graduates consisted of 17 officers from the Major to Lieutenant Colonel ranks and 14 officers in the Colonel to Major General cadre, alongside four NAFRC personnel. AVM Mamman praised their dedication and noted the Centre’s intention to hold the course quarterly to reach more officers.

“As entrepreneurs and managers, be reminded that you are engines of growth, creators of wealth and drivers of innovation in a rapidly evolving world,” he said.

He added that the curriculum had been reviewed to meet the high standards expected of senior officers and highlighted agriculture as a key area for sustainable post-service ventures.

Beyond training, NAFRC has taken further steps to support the officers by facilitating business registration. AVM Mamman announced that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) will visit the Centre in June to assist graduates in formalising their ventures.

“As part of efforts toward ensuring that participants register their businesses with ease, the Centre has invited the CAC to facilitate the process of business registration for participants,” he said.

The graduation ceremony was chaired by H.E. Donald Duke, former Cross River State Governor and Chairman of the EMPRETEC Nigeria Foundation. Representing the Foundation’s founder, his wife Mrs Onari Duke, he lauded the officers and the NAFRC training team for their efforts.

“As ‘Empretecos,’ I urge you to embrace innovation, effective management, and social responsibility,” Duke said. “The entrepreneurial mindset you’ve developed here will drive positive change in our society.”

Mrs Duke, in her remarks delivered by her husband, stressed the significance of the new skills acquired.“Innovation and risk-taking drive entrepreneurial success, and effective management fuels organisational growth,” she said. “Your new skills can positively impact your communities.”

Director of Training, Brigadier General I.O. Olatunji, disclosed that 30 participants completed the course out of the 85 expected, citing their discipline and commitment. He described the programme as a testament to the Centre’s dedication to the long-term welfare of military personnel.

Certificates were awarded by AVM Mamman, with special recognition given to outstanding performers. The event highlighted the deepening role of NAFRC in building bridges between military service and civilian enterprise.

With Nigeria’s increasing focus on job creation, productivity and innovation, the NAFRC-EMPRETEC collaboration stands out as a forward-looking model. It offers officers not just a soft landing from military service, but a springboard into a new life of leadership, entrepreneurship and national contribution.