Retired Air Vice Marshal Benjamin Obadan has urged military veterans to commit to personal passions after retirement to find fulfillment in civilian life.
Speaking in Lagos on Sunday, Obadan told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, especially as the structure and direction of service life are hard to replicate.
He stressed the importance of maintaining purpose and wellbeing through active engagement in meaningful pursuits.
“Some of these challenges include loss of identity, lack of structure, difficulty in transmitting skills and mental health issues such as depression among others,” he said.
Obadan, however, said that redefining and committing to a purpose was crucial for veterans to assist the gain a sense of direction and focus.
“Having a sense of purpose can help to support the mental health of veterans by providing a sense of control and reducing feelings of uncertainty and confusion.
“Purpose can contribute to overall wellbeing by promoting a sense of fulfilment and life satisfaction of the veteran.
“Redefining purpose after military service requires a journey in self-discovery and growth, which eventually pays off and yield positive results,” he said.
The retired AVM said that veterans would find fulfilment when they identify their core values and things that they were passionate about in civilian lives.
He also encouraged them to stay connected to other veterans, join support groups and seek out mentorship.
“Volunteering and giving back to the community can provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment, it can also help veterans connect with others and build future relationships.
“Practicing mindfulness and self-care can also help veterans stay grounded and focused, prioritising activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction,” Obadan said.
