The Nigerian Army has intensified efforts to enhance welfare and economic resilience within its barracks community, as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division empowered women at the Giginya Cantonment in Sokoto State.
The initiative saw the distribution of 20 brand-new motorcycles to women in the cantonment, aimed at boosting income generation and promoting self-reliance.
According to the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, the initiative reflects the Army’s commitment to the wellbeing of personnel families and forms part of a structured Barracks Women Empowerment Scheme.
The motorcycles were formally handed over to the Magajiya of Giginya Cantonment at the NAOWA Leisure Park. Major General Ajose explained that the intervention was designed to support women engaged in petty trading and small-scale businesses by improving their mobility, access to markets, and logistics both within and beyond the cantonment.
“This initiative is about empowering our women to stand economically strong, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to the stability of the barracks community,” he said.
The GOC noted that the empowerment drive aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s directive on prioritising troop morale and welfare through sustainable empowerment programmes.
He also commended women leaders within the cantonment for their stabilising influence and support to troops deployed on operations.
Receiving the motorcycles on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Magajiya of Giginya Cantonment, Hajiya Amina Adamu, expressed gratitude to the Army leadership for what she described as a timely and transformative intervention.
She assured that the motorcycles would be fairly distributed and responsibly maintained to maximise their intended economic impact.
The event was attended by senior officers, formation commanders, the Chairperson of the 8 Division Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, members of the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association, and families of personnel.
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic presentation of keys, souvenirs, and group photographs, underscoring the Army’s growing focus on welfare-driven stability within its operational communities.