Nigerian Army Boosts Barracks Livelihoods as Sokoto Women Receive 20 Motorcycles
Women living within Giginya Cantonment in Sokoto on Monday received a major economic boost as the Nigerian Army rolled out a new empowerment drive aimed at strengthening household livelihoods and self-reliance among military families.
The initiative, which saw the distribution of 20 brand new motorcycles to women engaged in small-scale businesses, was carried out by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Ibikunle Ajose.
The presentation took place at the NAOWA Leisure Park under the Barracks Women Empowerment Scheme.
Designed to support women involved in petty trading and other income-generating activities, the scheme focuses on improving mobility, easing access to markets and expanding business opportunities within and outside the cantonment.
Speaking at the event, Major General Ajose, who also serves as Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, said the programme underscores the Army’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their families.
“This empowerment programme is designed to enhance the livelihoods of women engaged in petty trading by improving their mobility, access to markets and ability to grow their businesses,” he said.
The GOC noted that the initiative is in line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff to sustain troop morale through practical welfare and empowerment interventions for dependants.
He also praised women leaders in Giginya Cantonment for their continued support to serving personnel and their contribution to peace and unity within the barracks.
Receiving the motorcycles on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Magajiya of Giginya Cantonment, Hajiya Amina Adamu, described the intervention as timely and impactful, thanking the Army leadership for prioritising the economic stability of military families. She pledged that the motorcycles would be equitably shared and properly maintained.
The event was attended by formation commanders, senior military officers, the Chairperson of the 8 Division Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), members of the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA), and families of serving personnel.
Highlights included a symbolic handover of keys, presentation of souvenirs and group photographs.
The empowerment scheme adds to ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to build economic resilience among barracks communities across the North West.
