Skill Acquisition Is Key To Economic Empowerment and Self-Reliance – Commander 2 Brigade

Skill Acquisition Is Key To Economic Empowerment and Self-Reliance – Commander 2 Brigade

The Commanding Officer, 6 Battalion Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Ezekiel Yakubu Gyang, graduated 6 Battalion women and youths on Entrepreneurship Enhancement Training at Ibagwa, Akwa Ibom State, in conjunction with Vcare for Development Foundation, which commenced on 27 April 2026. The training, which had its opening ceremony at the Cobra Officers’ Mess Hall, concluded on 1 May 2026. The programme was aimed at enhancing the capacities of barracks women and youths by equipping them with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge to unlock their potential for self-reliance and economic empowerment.

In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Commander 2 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 4 Joint Task Force South South Operation DELTA SAFE, Brigadier General Nnabueze Emmanuel Okoloagu, expressed his deep appreciation to the Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) and its partners, particularly Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company, for their commitment to human capital development through their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. Additionally, he applauded the Commanding Officer, 6 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Ezekiel Yakubu Gyang, for his exemplary leadership in initiating the programme. He noted that Headquarters 2 Brigade, under his leadership, has continued to implement projects aligned with the Nigerian Army’s “Soldier First” culture, which forms the foundation upon which the pillars of the Chief of Army Staff’s Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu’s Command Philosophy rest.

During the graduation ceremony, the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ezekiel Yakubu Gyang, appreciated the efforts of the Foundation and emphasized the importance of the training in improving the welfare of barracks families. He further encouraged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to acquire valuable skills that would positively impact their livelihoods.

The Commanding Officer also donated 10 sewing machines to participants of the unit’s tailoring skills acquisition programme as starter packs upon completion of training. Additionally, symbolic presentations of scholarships, awards, and cheques for JAMB and NECO registration for children of serving soldiers and deceased personnel were conducted.

Participants showcased the skills acquired during the training, after which start-up packs were presented to them by the Foundation. Relatedly, industrial sewing and weaving machines donated by the Vcare for Development Foundation were commissioned by the Special Guest of Honour, Brigadier General Nnabueze Emmanuel Okoloagu.