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 handover, held at the NAOWA Leisure Park, is part of the Barracks Women Empowerment Scheme aimed at improving economic independence, mobility, and access to markets for women engaged in petty trading.
Major General Ibikunle Ajose, General Officer Commanding 8 Division, noted that the initiative aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s directive to enhance welfare and morale through practical, people-centred programmes. He emphasised that empowering women directly contributes to household stability, community resilience, and overall economic participation within the barracks.
Read also,
- NASENI innovation signals new business opportunities
- YMR fuels youth MSMEs nationwide with ₦24m growth grants
- Nigeria positions economy as SME gateway for Europe Africa trade
- Tax reforms committee engages Ombud to protect SMEs
- Cashew sector could unlock $10bn SME opportunity
Hajiya Amina Adamu, Magajiya of Giginya Cantonment, received the motorcycles on behalf of the beneficiaries, describing the intervention as timely and impactful. She assured that the motorcycles would be fairly distributed and properly maintained to maximise long-term benefits for the women traders, enhancing their capacity to grow their small businesses and reach wider markets.
The event was attended by formation commanders, senior officers, and members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), as well as the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA). The initiative reflects a growing focus on supporting small-scale enterprises as a pathway to improving welfare, economic empowerment, and resilience among military families in the North-West.
