Defence Minister hails NAPAAS Empowerment Scheme

By Ochiaka Ugwu

National Personal Assets Acquisition Scheme’s (NAPAAS) economic empowerment programme for interested Ex-Servicemen and other organized pension groups got a boost Friday with the Honorable Minister of Defence, Maj-Gen. Bashir Salihu Magashi (Rtd) commending its quest of finding lasting solution to plight of veterans.
Magashi made this known in Abuja during the National Official Ceremony for bulk distribution/access of tricycles by interested ex-servicemen and veteran Associations through NAPAAS under public private initiative.
Magashi represented by Maj-Gen. Sulieman Isah Wali (Rtd) who conveyed the support of the Ministry described the scheme as captivating as it takes care of veterans’ widows and children.
Magashi tasked the ex-service men on the role they can play in resolving insecurity in the nation as they stay in the nooks and crannies of the country.
He said their contribution could be advisory through information giving and intelligence sharing.
Magashi said that NAPAAS journey that started in 2016 has been impacting on the society and growing in a rapid speed by reaching a lot of people with its package of goodwill.
He noted that his vision was to see NAPAAS grow to the extent of rekindling the hope of ex-servicemen in the society.
He advised the veterans to embrace the scheme and beneficiaries to adhere to the tenets of the programme.
He said the government hasn’t gotten the resources to cater for all the needs of the people, so the need for a scheme like NAPAAS to be supported by all.
He expressed that the readiness of private sector to participate in the scheme is a demonstration of its capacity and win-win situation for all.
President of Ex Servicemen and Family Welfare Association of Nigeria, Master Warrant Officer Anthony Agbas (Rtd) said his association has benefitted a lot from NAPAAS from both loan disbursement and other interventions that have boosted their economic power.
Mohammed Aminu Bello, Managing Director of NAPAAS said the aim of the ceremony was to present NAPAAS partnership for better service delivery to legionnaires and their family members all over the nation.
He informed that is a platform for accessing Basic Needs items, Agriculture, Housing, Transport, Health, Skill Acquisition in a Joint Venture Commercial Partnership.
Also speaking, a veteran, Maj. Gabriel Adofikwu (Rtd) said that NAPAAS has made it possible for beneficiaries to match the economic situation of the country with its packages, maintaining that the scheme is in line with President Buhari’s agenda on employment generation given its value chain.
NAPAAS National Project Coordinator, Engr. Eze Nnadi revealed that NAPAAS is more than ready to reach a wide range of ex-servicemen given its partnership with interested stakeholders like Stallion group and others.