The Nigerian Army has launched a women-focused empowerment initiative at Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto State, providing 20 brand new motorcycles to support income-generating activities among women in the barracks community.
The motorcycles were presented on Monday at the NAOWA Leisure Park by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, under the Barracks Women Empowerment Scheme. The initiative is designed to improve economic independence, mobility and access to markets for women engaged in petty trading within the cantonment.
Speaking during the presentation, Ajose said the programme reflects the Army’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their families, noting that empowering women contributes directly to household stability and community resilience.
“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, who also serves as Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, added that the initiative aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s directive to boost morale and well-being through practical, people-centred empowerment programmes.
He also commended women leaders in the cantonment for their support to military personnel and their role in promoting peace and harmony 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, saying it would significantly improve the beneficiaries’ ability to conduct their businesses.
She assured that the motorcycles would be fairly distributed and properly maintained to ensure long-term benefits for the women.
The event was attended by formation commanders, senior 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 military personnel. It concluded with a symbolic handover of keys and group photographs.
The initiative highlights the Nigerian Army’s growing focus on economic empowerment and small-scale enterprise support as a pathway to strengthening the welfare and resilience of military families in the North-West.
