GOC 81 Division Commissions RSM’s Office As A Philanthropist Empowers Widows In Alamala Barracks

GOC 81 Division Commissions RSM’s Office As A Philanthropist Empowers Widows In Alamala Barracks

The General Officer Commanding(GOC)81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa has commissioned a Regimental Sergeant Major’s (RSM’s) office in 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala Barracks Abeokuta, Ogun State on 14 November 2025. The office was constructed by the Commander 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Godwin Nwamba.

In his welcome remarks during the ceremonies, General Nwamba expressed delight to welcome the GOC and other dignitaries to Alamala Barracks for the significant dual purpose ceremony of the commissioning of the newly constructed RSM’s office, Guards Room and the empowerment outreach of widows of the fallen heroes. He noted that the office of the RSM is the heart beat of discipline and welfare for non commissioned officers and soldiers. He said the Guards Room is the symbol of the operational readiness and security of the Brigade.

General Nwamba added that the construction and modernization of the facility underscores the Brigade’s commitment to providing a conducive and professional environment for key administrative and operational personnel. He stated that the project is a testament to the continuous effort to enhance the welfare and operational efficiency of 35 Artillery Brigade. He thanked the various individuals who assisted in making the edifice possible.

General Nwamba explained that the true cause of peace is often borne most heavily by the families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. He said the Brigade stands with the widows of the fallen heroes and their families to reaffirm its commitment to their well being. The empowerment programme he said is designed to provide vocational skills and essential tools, it is a way to help the widows regain self reliance, dignity and economic stability. He expressed appreciation to the Chief Sponsor, Chief Bayo Fatusin, a man he described as a patriotic Nigerian and a true friend of the Brigade for his exceptional generosity in funding the outreach. He recognized Chief Bayo commitment to the families of the fallen heroes as a shining example of civil – military cooperation and responsibility of citizenship.

Speaking earlier, the Sponsor of the empowerment programme and Founder of Bayo Fatusin Foundation, Chief Bayo Fatusin said he was driven by the need to build a world where every woman, no matter her background, her education or her circumstance is given the chance to rise to her full potentials. He encouraged everyone to build a world where empowerment is not an exception but a norm. A world where a girl does not have to fight twice as hard to be heard, a world where brilliance is not just acknowledged but celebrated.

In his remarks, the GOC 81 Division congratulated the Commander for the project. He said he was pleased with the quality and standard of work he saw in the RSM’s office and encouraged other commanding officers to do the same. He charged commanders and commanding officers to strive to add value to the system.

General Farouk noted that the Army holds widows of the fallen heroes in high esteem because they represent families of the fallen heroes who have lived their lives and made sacrifices to the nation. He appreciated Chief Bayo Fatusin for the noble initiative and for identifying with the sacrifices of the military and for the kind gesture. He encouraged other Philanthropists to support the Barracks community because is a semblance of discipline and unity.

The items for the empowerment include sewing machines, hair dryers, grinding engines, 50kg bags of rice and catch donation.

Highlights of the events were cutting of the commissioning tape, symbolic presentation of equipment to the widows, presentation of souvenirs and group photograph.