By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Federal Government has introduced an online discount shop aimed at improving access to essential goods for serving members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, veterans and their families.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, formally launched the AFN Personnel Online Discount Shop in Abuja on Thursday.
The initiative, developed by Defence Headquarters in collaboration with the private sector, uses Konga’s digital platform in partnership with Zinox Group to provide eligible beneficiaries with access to goods at discounted prices.
Akume praised the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. O.O. Oluyede, Defence Headquarters and other stakeholders involved in the project, saying the initiative reflected the importance of placing personnel welfare alongside operational readiness.
According to a statement issued by Chris Ugwuegbulam, Head of Information in the SGF’s office, Akume said the platform forms part of the Federal Government’s wider efforts to ease financial pressures on personnel and improve their access to essential goods and services.
He stressed that maintaining a motivated and resilient Armed Forces requires sustained attention to the welfare of personnel and their families.
The SGF particularly welcomed the decision to extend the scheme to veterans and their families, saying their sacrifices and contributions to national security deserved continued recognition and support.
At the launch, Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group also signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a framework for continued cooperation between the Armed Forces and the private sector.
Akume described the agreement as an example of how collaboration between public institutions and responsible private organisations could be used to provide practical benefits to citizens.
He called on Defence Headquarters and other stakeholders to ensure that the scheme remained transparent, reliable and responsive to the needs of beneficiaries.
According to him, the credibility of the initiative would ultimately depend on the quality of service provided and the tangible benefits received by eligible personnel and veterans.
Akume also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the Armed Forces and urged eligible beneficiaries to take advantage of the new platform.
He thereafter formally launched the AFN Personnel Online Discount Shop.
Leave a Reply