Odita Sunday 
MPB Chairman Urges Journalists to Verify Reports, Calls for Veterans’ Unity
By Odita Sunday
The Chairman of the Military Pensions Board (MPB), Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem, has urged journalists to verify allegations against the board before publication, warning that unsubstantiated reports could undermine public confidence and jeopardise the welfare interests of military retirees.
He also called on military veterans to unite under a common platform to strengthen their collective voice and influence government policies on pensions and other welfare-related matters.
Abdulraheem made the appeal in Abuja while receiving members of the executive of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), who paid him a courtesy visit.
The MPB chairman urged journalists to seek clarification from the board whenever they receive negative reports about its activities, assuring them that the management remained open to inquiries and willing to provide relevant information.
“Any time you hear something negative about the board, please never be in a hurry to publish. Verify from the board, and we are ready to speak to you,” he said.
He called on media practitioners to uphold professionalism, objectivity and responsible journalism in their coverage of the board, stressing that credible reporting was essential to protecting the institution’s reputation and the future of military pension administration.
“Continue to provide credible information about the board, because if people destroy this board, then they are going to destroy the hopes and aspirations of those who are coming behind,” Abdulraheem said.
He noted that constructive engagement between the media and the board would help correct misconceptions, promote transparency and improve public understanding of pension administration.
On veterans’ welfare, the MPB chairman said the existence of multiple associations with fragmented interests weakened the ability of retired military personnel to advance common demands before the government.
He maintained that a united veterans’ organisation would be better positioned to influence decisions on pensions, welfare benefits and other issues affecting retired servicemen and women.
“Veterans should form a very strong, cohesive body that can speak with one voice,” he said.
Abdulraheem further argued that a unified veterans’ community deserved greater attention from political leaders and presidential aspirants, particularly during electioneering periods, when its collective strength could be deployed to draw attention to the concerns of retired personnel.
He also highlighted the importance of constructive criticism, noting that the advice and observations of colleagues had contributed to improving his leadership and performance.
The chairman expressed appreciation to the DECAN delegation for its goodwill and recognition, saying such gestures encouraged him to remain committed to effective leadership and service.
He also urged Nigerians to protect national unity and address the country’s challenges through responsible leadership and constructive engagement.
Earlier, the President of DECAN, Comrade Odita Sunday, commended Abdulraheem for his leadership in addressing issues affecting military veterans.
However, Sunday urged the board to intensify public sensitisation on pension laws, retirement benefits and entitlements for both serving military personnel and retirees.
He said improved awareness of pension regulations before retirement would enable personnel to understand their rights and obligations, make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary disputes, misunderstandings and protests.
The DECAN president stressed the need for military personnel to be adequately informed about the pension system and the appropriate channels for resolving complaints before leaving service.
He assured the MPB chairman of the association’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the board in promoting national development and protecting the welfare of military retirees.
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