Military pensions board visits 98-year-old veteran at his Delta home

The Military Pensions Board (MPB) has marked the 98th birthday of a former Warrant Officer, Echenim Emmanuel Ewemiwe, at his home in Ute-Erumu, near Agbor, in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.

The board's chairman, Major General Julius Ehioze Osifo, led the team that made the trip. Others on the delegation included Navy Commodore Galadima Ciroma, Director of Navy Pensions; Squadron Leader Aliyu Muhammed; and Captain Robertson Akpojovwo, who chairs the Delta State Legion.

The board's public relations officer, Squadron Leader Aliyu Mohammed, said in a statement that the visit was arranged to celebrate the veteran's birthday and to show that the board's leadership stands with one of Nigeria's oldest soldiers.

Family members, friends and well-wishers joined the celebration, which featured cultural performances and traditional dances, according to the statement.

Why it matters

For many Nigerian veterans, the pension office is a place of queues and paperwork. A senior board team travelling to a veteran's home is a rare public signal that the welfare of retired soldiers is being watched.

Osifo used the occasion to acknowledge what veterans gave to the country and said their well-being remains a priority for the board.

The Aruwe of Ute-Erumu, the community's traditional ruler, attended, along with members of the clergy and other community leaders.

A family representative, former Master Warrant Officer Chuks Echenim, thanked the chairman for making the journey to Delta State to honour their father.

The board said the visit reflects its wider commitment to treating veterans with dignity and to staying in touch with them beyond the routine payment of pensions.