The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, has celebrated the graduation of 32 officers from the Mid and Senior Level Entrepreneurship and Management Course (15/2025), marking a significant milestone in the ongoing capacity-building efforts for service personnel transitioning to civilian life.
Speaking at the colourful ceremony, the Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal BR Mamman (GSS), praised the dedication and discipline of the graduating officers, describing them as “engines of growth, creators of wealth, and drivers of innovation.” The Commandant commended the officers for successfully completing the rigorous 4- to 5-week training programme, designed to equip them with critical entrepreneurial, leadership, and management skills for life during and after service.
“You have been empowered to shape the future, turn visions into realities, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” AVM Mamman stated. “This course has not only prepared you for entrepreneurial success but also improved your leadership capacity and productivity in service.”
The course, which is conducted quarterly with the approval of the Chief of Defence Staff, brought together 30 senior officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). They were joined by 3 staff members from NAFRC, bringing the total to 33 participants. One officer was recalled due to service exigencies, leaving 32 officers who completed the programme successfully.
Delivering the course overview, Brigadier General IO Olatunji, Director of Training at NAFRC, outlined the objectives and structure of the programme, which featured five core modules: Agriculture, Emotional Intelligence, Business Management & Legal Advisory, Health & Lifestyle, and Entrepreneurship Technical Training.
The training was conducted in partnership with Empretec Nigeria Foundation, an internationally recognised entrepreneurship development organisation. Participants engaged in practical workshops, business planning exercises, and a highly acclaimed Entrepreneurship Training Workshop (ETW). Group presentations of viable business models were a highlight, with teams creating and pitching innovative business ideas under tight timelines.
Study Tours and International Exposure
To complement classroom learning, participants embarked on both local and international study tours. These included:
Spectra Industries, Agege – for hands-on learning in food processing and packaging.
National Conservation Centre, Lekki – marking the first-ever visit by an Empretec group to this eco-tourism site, which featured the longest canopy walk in Africa.
Commint BUKA, Surulere – offering insight into managing a fast-food business in Nigeria.
Songhai Farms, Port Novo (Benin Republic) – exposing officers to integrated farming, smart agriculture, zero-waste practices, and renewable energy in an international setting.
These tours were carefully curated to provide practical exposure to various business environments and models, aligning with the Centre’s goal of preparing officers for sustainable post-service ventures.
Strategic Reentry and National Impact
The training forms part of NAFRC’s broader effort to prepare military personnel for life beyond the uniform, with a focus on strategic reintegration, economic empowerment, and nation-building. The Commandant emphasized that the revised curriculum and new partnerships such as the Memorandum of Understanding with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for streamlined business registration further reinforce the Centre’s commitment to excellence.
In his closing remarks, AVM Mamman extended gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (OFR), for his unwavering support, as well as to Empretec Nigeria Foundation, the course facilitators, and the Service Chiefs for making the training possible. He also expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for his steadfast leadership and support to the Armed Forces.
Graduation and Certification
Following the formal presentations, the 32 participants were officially conferred as graduates of the Senior and Mid-Level Entrepreneurship and Management Course 15/2025. Each received a joint certificate issued by NAFRC and Empretec Nigeria Foundation, in recognition of their successful participation and performance.