The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, has empowered women in Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto, by presenting them with 20 brand-new motorcycles to enhance their economic independence and support income-generating activities.
The motorcycles were handed over at the NAOWA Leisure Park as part of the GOC’s Barracks Women Empowerment Scheme, which seeks to improve the welfare of military families and promote self-reliance within the barracks community.
Speaking at the event, the GOC, who also serves as Commander of Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, said the initiative demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s strong commitment to the well-being of its personnel and their dependents.
“This empowerment programme is designed to enhance the livelihoods of women engaged in petty trading by improving their mobility, market access, and capacity to expand their businesses,” he said.
He added that the initiative aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s directive to boost the morale and welfare of troops and their families through impactful empowerment programmes.
The GOC also commended women leaders in the cantonment for their unwavering support to military personnel and their role in sustaining peace and harmony within the barracks.
Receiving the motorcycles on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Magajiya of Giginya Cantonment, Amina Adamu, lauded the GOC, describing the intervention as “transformative.”
She said distribution would remain transparent, ensuring proper use and maintenance of the motorcycles.
The gathering drew formation commanders, top-ranking officers, the chairperson of the 8 Division Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, members of the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association, and families of serving personnel.
