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By Faheem Lawal
The empowerment initiative forms part of the Nigerian Army’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities aimed at improving the welfare of host communities and strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the Commanding Officer of OPAA II, Lieutenant Colonel AA Ikoro, disclosed that 10 beneficiaries—comprising five males and five females—were enrolled in the programme, which commenced in April 2026 at the beginning of the mission in the Republic of Benin.
He explained that the participants received intensive training in salon and beauty services facilitated by Nigerian Army personnel. However, only seven trainees successfully completed the programme, attributing their success to their commitment, discipline and dedication throughout the training period.
Lieutenant Colonel Ikoro noted that the initiative aligns with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, which places emphasis on improving the well-being of host communities through impactful Civil-Military Cooperation programmes.
Representing the Commandant of the Presidential Guard of the Republic of Benin, Major Alizannd Gratien commended the Nigerian Army and OPAA II troops for their continued support and contributions to peace and development in the Republic of Benin.
He urged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity by putting the skills they acquired into productive use, stressing that doing so would enable them to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of their communities.
The Nigerian Defence Attaché to the Republic of Benin, Colonel SY Yahaya, congratulated the seven graduates, describing them as winners for successfully completing the training programme.
He also applauded the troops of OPAA II for their professionalism, discipline and exemplary conduct throughout the mission, noting that their performance had significantly enhanced Nigeria’s image and strengthened relations with the Republic of Benin.
Presenting certificates and salon starter kits to the beneficiaries, the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Ambassador Mopelola Adeola Ibrahim, praised the troops for their courage, discipline and professionalism.
She said their outstanding performance had earned Nigeria the admiration and respect of both the Government and people of the Republic of Benin.
Ambassador Ibrahim described the empowerment initiative as a practical demonstration of the enduring friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. She encouraged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the starter kits to establish sustainable businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Gossou Celestin expressed profound appreciation to the Nigerian Army, as well as the Government and people of Nigeria, for what he described as a life-changing initiative.
He said the vocational training had equipped participants with valuable skills that would enable them to become economically independent, while pledging that the beneficiaries would make judicious use of the starter kits and apply the knowledge gained to positively impact their communities.
