The federal government has launched an online discount shop to enable serving and retired Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families to access essential goods at discounted prices.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, formally launched the Armed Forces Online Discount Shop in Abuja today, reports The PUNCH.
Speaking at the event, Akume said the welfare of military personnel extended beyond providing operational capabilities, stressing the need to ensure the well-being of serving personnel and their families.
He particularly commended the inclusion of veterans and their families in the initiative, saying their sacrifices and contributions deserved continued recognition and support.
Akume also commended the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group for signing the Memorandum of Understanding underpinning the initiative.
He said, “This is an example of how technology and strategic partnerships can be harnessed to deliver practical benefits to citizens who have dedicated themselves to the service and security of our dear nation.
“The welfare of those who serve our country is a responsibility that extends beyond the provision of operational capabilities. A motivated and resilient Armed Forces is sustained by the assurance of the wellbeing of each personnel and their families.”
The SGF said initiatives that improve access to essential goods and services, ease financial pressures and enhance the quality of life of citizens were important components of a comprehensive welfare framework.
He also emphasised that the online discount shop, operated through the Konga platform, would enable eligible serving and retired personnel to conveniently access a range of goods at discounted prices.
Earlier in his speech, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Olufemi Oluyede, said the Armed Forces remained committed to the welfare of its personnel, veterans and their families.
Oluyede said the scheme was the first of several initiatives expected to be launched within the next three months to improve the welfare of military personnel in line with the “Soldier First” leadership principle.
The CDS added that the Armed Forces was exploring partnerships with major companies, including Dangote Group and BUA Cement, to provide personnel with access to building materials and other essential goods.
“This scheme is the first of many initiatives that will be launched over the next three months. It is aimed squarely at enhancing the welfare of our personnel in line with the Soldier First Leadership Principle of the Chief of Defence Staff.
“By delivering digital technology to the home platform, personnel and veterans can access essential products more conveniently. This demonstrates how technology and strategic partnerships can complement ongoing efforts in good welfare and service delivery.
“We are also trying to interface with the likes of Dangote Group, BUA Cement so that we can have access to building materials and other essential goods that can make their lives better,” he noted.
The CDS also appreciated Zinox Group for partnering with the Armed Forces to actualise the initiative.
Also speaking, Chairman of Zinox Group and founder of Konga.com, Dr Leo Stan Ekeh, who was represented by Konga’s General Manager, Corporate Governance, Reginald Obiako, said the initiative was a way of appreciating the sacrifices and dedication of military personnel and their families.
He said, “This is our modest way of appreciating the sacrifice and dedication of the servicemen and their families. Through this monthly discount, personnel and their families can access quality products and refresh their households.
“We believe that those who serve and protect our nation deserve our support and appreciation. We are therefore pleased to partner with this initiative and look forward to its continued success. I congratulate the Armed Forces and Nigerians on this launch and wish them success.”
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group to formalise the implementation of the online discount scheme.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the Armed Forces to strengthen personnel welfare through digital innovation and private-sector partnerships, while extending practical support to serving personnel, veterans and their families.
