From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The General Officer Commanding, 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force, Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj. Gen. Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, has donated 20 motorcycles to women in Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto State, to boost their economic activities.
The donation was aimed at improving the livelihoods of personnel’s families in the barracks by supporting income-generating ventures and promoting self-reliance among women.
According to a statement issued in Abuja by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, the motorcycles were handed over to the Magajiya of the cantonment at the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association leisure park.
Osoba said the initiative was part of the Barracks Women Empowerment Scheme and reflected the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their families.
He explained that the motorcycles would enhance mobility for women engaged in petty trading, enabling them to access markets, manage logistics and expand their small businesses within and outside the cantonment.
The GOC noted that the programme aligned with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff to improve the morale and wellbeing of troops and their dependants through practical empowerment initiatives.
He also commended women leaders in the cantonment for their support to troops and their role in maintaining peace and harmony within the barracks community.
Receiving the motorcycles on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Magajiya of Giginya Cantonment, Hajiya Amina Adamu, thanked the Army leadership for the support, describing it as timely and transformative.
She assured that the motorcycles would be distributed fairly and properly maintained to ensure maximum benefit to the beneficiaries.
The event was attended by formation commanders, senior officers, the chairperson of the 8 Division NAOWA, members of the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association and families of personnel. The ceremony ended with a symbolic handover of keys and group photographs.
