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 reduced prices.
The Armed Forces Online Discount Shop was formally launched in Abuja on Thursday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
Speaking at the event, Akume said the welfare of military personnel went beyond providing operational capabilities, stressing the importance of ensuring the wellbeing of serving personnel and their families.
He particularly commended the inclusion of veterans and their families in the initiative, saying their sacrifices and contributions to national security deserved continued recognition and support.
The SGF also commended Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group for signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) underpinning the initiative.
He said the programme demonstrated how technology and strategic partnerships could be used to provide practical benefits to citizens who had dedicated themselves to the service and security of the country.
Akume said a motivated and resilient Armed Forces depended not only on operational readiness but also on assurances that the welfare of personnel and their families was being prioritised.
He added that initiatives designed to improve access to essential goods and services, reduce financial pressures and enhance citizens’ quality of life were important components of a comprehensive welfare framework.
According to him, the online discount shop, operated through the Konga platform, would allow eligible serving and retired personnel to conveniently purchase a range of goods at discounted prices.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Olufemi Oluyede, said the Armed Forces remained committed to improving the welfare of serving personnel, veterans and their families.
Oluyede said the scheme was the first of several initiatives expected to be introduced over the next three months as part of efforts to improve military welfare in line with the “Soldier First” leadership principle.
He said the Armed Forces was also 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,” Oluyede said.
He added that the integration of digital technology into the welfare programme would make it easier for personnel and veterans to access essential products.
The CDS said the initiative showed how technology and strategic partnerships could complement existing efforts to improve 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 added.
Oluyede also appreciated Zinox Group for partnering with the Armed Forces to actualise the initiative.
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 partnership was aimed at appreciating the sacrifices and dedication of military personnel and their families.
Ekeh said the monthly discount programme would enable personnel and their families to access quality products while easing household expenses.
He said those who served and protected the country deserved support and appreciation, adding that Zinox Group was pleased to partner with the Armed Forces on the initiative.
A major highlight of the event was the signing of the MoU between Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group to formalise the implementation of the online discount scheme.
The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts by the Armed Forces to strengthen personnel welfare through digital innovation and partnerships with the private sector, while extending practical support to serving personnel, veterans and their families.
