The 3 Division Auditorium of Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, was the venue for an impactful empowerment training program designed to equip the barracks community with essential skills for life before and after retirement. This initiative, led by Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) and Commanding Officer of Operation Safe Haven, aims to foster self-reliance and sustainable employment among military personnel and their families.

This effort aligns with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, to encourage the Army workforce to explore farming and animal husbandry as complementary business ventures while continuing their primary duty of safeguarding the nation’s integrity.

The event featured a notable lineup of guests, including:

• Dr. Afiz Ogun Oluwatoyin, Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), as the Special Guest of Honor.
• Dr. Hosea Istifanus Finangwai, Former Commissioner of Agriculture, Plateau State.
• Dr. Samuel Adetunji (Dr. Fish), Chairman of Dr. Fish Farms.
• General Managers of Zenith Bank and First Bank, present to explore how financial institutions can support participants with grants and loans to establish their ventures.
• Commanding Officers and other High Ranked Military Personnel

In his opening remarks, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar emphasized the program’s significance: “It is an honour to work with our partners on this project to enrich the lives of our people, especially those in the barracks. This program will equip participants with fish farming skills to promote self-reliance and employment opportunities for serving and retired personnel.” He encouraged participants to utilize the training fully and expressed his gratitude to all guests for their commitment to the cause before officially declaring the program open.

Dr Samuel Adetunji, popularly known as “Dr Fish,” shared his inspiring journey from humble beginnings as a National Youth Corps member in Jos to becoming a successful entrepreneur through fish farming. He pledged to empower participants with practical knowledge and provided each attendee with 50 fingerlings to launch their fish farming enterprises. “This business has changed my life, and I am confident it will empower everyone here,” he remarked.

The General Managers of Zenith Bank and First Bank also addressed the audience, reaffirming their institutions’ commitment to supporting the initiative. They highlighted plans to provide grants and loans tailored to help participants establish and scale their fish farming businesses, thus ensuring financial stability and growth.

The Special Guest of Honor, Dr. Afiz Ogun Oluwatoyin, in his keynote address, described the program as a pivotal initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s SkillUp Africa SUPA Training Program. This program empowers young artisans, including military personnel, with tech-enabled skills to promote industry-standard excellence.

“This program supports the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff to empower the military workforce. I commend the GOC for his leadership and assure my continued support,” Dr. Ogun Oluwatoyin stated.

This training program represents a significant milestone in addressing the economic challenges faced by military families. By incorporating fish farming into their skill sets and leveraging financial support from partnering banks, participants are positioned to secure sustainable livelihoods and improve their quality of life.

The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with its partners, continues to demonstrate its dedication to uplifting the barracks community, empowering them with the resources and skills needed to thrive beyond their military careers.