By Abdul Lauya
In a formal handing and taking over ceremony held at the Military Pensions Board (MPB) Headquarters in Dutsen-Alhaji Kubwa, Abuja, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Abubakar Adamu, mni, officially assumed office on 1 July 2025 as the new Chairman of the MPB.
He takes over from AVM Paul Irumheson, marking a significant leadership transition aimed at deepening reforms in military pension administration and improving the welfare of retired military personnel.
The well-attended ceremony symbolized continuity, professionalism, and renewed commitment to service delivery.
Dignitaries present included members of the 5-man Ministerial Veterans Welfare Committee, led by Air Commodore Femi Oguntuyi (Rtd), and representatives of the Nigerian Legion, headed by National Council Chairperson, Ms. Grace Morenike Henry.
In his valedictory remarks, outgoing Chairman AVM Irumheson expressed profound gratitude to MPB Directors and staff for their loyalty and professionalism throughout his two-year tenure.
He acknowledged the significant role of the Ministerial Committee in bridging the gap between the Board and the veteran community, and urged continued support for his successor to ensure sustained progress.
In a press statement by spokesman of the Military Pensions Board, Squadron Leader Ahmed Mohammed, AVM Abubakar Adamu thanked the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for the trust reposed in him.
He pledged to consolidate the achievements of his predecessor and steer the Board toward a more inclusive, transparent, and welfare-driven administration.
“I am committed to improving pension management and prioritizing the welfare of our veterans and staff alike,” he said. “My doors will remain open. I urge staff to freely share ideas and innovations that will help move the Board forward.”
A seasoned pilot and financial expert with over 30 years of military service, AVM Adamu is a member of the NDA Regular Course 39.
Prior to his appointment, he served as Group Managing Director of Nigerian Air Force Holdings and Investment, and has held key roles such as Director of Finance at NAF Headquarters, Deputy Director of Budget at the Defence Intelligence Agency, Commander of 081 Pay and Accounting Group, and Managing Director of Nigerian Air Force Investment Limited (NAFIL).
AVM Adamu is also an alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, where he later served as both moderator and directing staff.
His contributions to strategic leadership development also extend to his role as Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.
The new Chairman is a Fellow of several professional bodies, including the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria (ICPAN), and the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants.
His distinguished service has earned him national honours such as the Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), General Service Star (GSS), and the Pass Staff Course Dagger (psc+).
Acknowledging the presence of past Chairmen at the ceremony, AVM Adamu pledged to engage with them to tap into their institutional wisdom in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The event ended with a sense of optimism among stakeholders, as AVM Adamu’s assumption of leadership is widely expected to usher in a new era of accountability, timely pension payments, efficient record management, and improved veteran engagement.
