The Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ (RANAO) Association of Nigeria has commenced its 37th National Annual General Meeting (NAGM) in Jos, Plateau State. The event, which spans from Monday, May 12 to Thursday, May 15, 2025, brings together esteemed military veterans from across the country for a week-long series of engagements focused on national security and unity.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday at the Green Castle Hotel in Jos, the National President of RANAO, Maj. Gen. Abdulrafiz Adewuyi (Rtd), highlighted the importance of the meeting, describing it as a crucial platform for retired military officers to reflect on the nation’s security challenges and propose strategic solutions.
This year’s AGM is themed “Strengthening National Defence and Security: A Conceptual Outlook”, a topic Gen. Adewuyi said is both timely and relevant, given Nigeria’s current security realities.
The grand finale of the AGM is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 15 at Eliel Event Centre, Gold and Base, opposite NAF Officers’ Mess, Rayfield, Jos, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The event will be officially declared open by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, who will serve as the Special Guest of Honour.
Distinguished guests expected at the ceremony include the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, heads of various security agencies, captains of industry, and decorated veterans of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
In addition to plenary sessions and internal deliberations, the RANAO delegation will embark on courtesy visits to prominent figures including Governor Mutfwang, the General Officer Commanding 3 Armoured Division, Maj. Gen. E.F. Oyinlola, and the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Majesty Da Jacob Buba Gyang, CFR.
The Association extended an open invitation to members of the press, editors, and media professionals in Plateau State to attend and cover the grand finale. “The presence of your camera men and women will add colour to the occasion,” Gen. Adewuyi noted.
Col. Barnabas Gyang (Rtd), also speaking at the press parley, emphasized the significance of the theme and reiterated RANAO’s commitment to submitting actionable outcomes of their discussions to relevant authorities. “Security remains a central concern for our country, and the ideas shared here will support policy and decision-making,” he said.
The RANAO Association, according to its leadership, is driven not only by the welfare of its members but also by a deep commitment to national unity, peace, and development. The Association calls on media professionals and all patriotic Nigerians to collaborate in building a secure and united nation.
The Jos gathering marks the third time the Plateau State capital is hosting the prestigious event, with expectations high for another successful outing.