Welfare Beyond Frontline: GOC Facilitates Life-Changing Skills Acquisition Programme For Troops’ Families

Welfare Beyond Frontline: GOC Facilitates Life-Changing Skills Acquisition Programme For Troops’ Families

In furtherance of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede’s Soldiers’ First Philosophy, which prioritizes the welfare and holistic development of personnel and their families, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, has initiated and facilitated an economic empowerment programme for the Port Harcourt Barracks Community. The initiative is the first batch undertaken by the GOC, which has benefitted over 42 women and youths in the Barracks.

The six-months intensive training programme, conducted in partnership with the Omega Power Ministry (OPM) Multi-Skill Acquisition Center, Airport Road Port Harcourt, equipped participants with marketable skills in catering, tailoring, ICT, make-up artistry, painting, and other related trades. The initiative was designed, essentially to provide multiple streams of income for families, reduce dependency, and promote sustainable household economies.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the first batch of beneficiaries, the GOC, said he was deeply impressed with the outcome of the training. “I must say I am very excited, and at some point I got quite emotional. From the moment this training started, I have been here to observe the trainees and also interacted with the graduates, and I can confidently say I am impressed. I cannot thank the General Overseer OPM enough, because what he has done, truly resonates with the Command’s Philosophy of the COAS, which also aligns with his Soldiers’ First mantra. This philosophy places great emphasis on the welfare of our soldiers and their families,” he said.

Major General Emekah, further noted that the intervention directly addressed critical social issues. “An idle mind, as they say, is the devil’s workshop, and we know that many of the security challenges in our country are tied to idleness. By empowering the youths, widows, and soldiers’ wives through this programme, they have been removed from the environment of crime and vulnerability. For our soldiers serving in the North East and in other operational theatres, knowing that their families back home are being supported and empowered gives them confidence and peace of mind. It boosts their morale and helps them stay focused on their duties. This intervention, therefore, is like using one stone to solve multiple problems, tackling youth restiveness, reducing insecurity, supporting welfare, and boosting troop morale all at once,” the GOC emphasized.

In his goodwill message, the Founder of OPM, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, underscored the importance of standing with military families, given the sacrifices of troops who daily confront insurgency, terrorism, and other security challenges nationwide. According to him, empowering the families of soldiers is one way society can reciprocate their selfless service. “If soldiers put their lives on the line to protect us, then we must do our part to secure the future of their families,” he remarked.

To consolidate the gains of the training, the beneficiaries were provided with starter packs, such as sewing machines, laptops, catering equipment, and paint making kits. They also received financial support, including generous contributions from well-wishers and substantial assistance from the GOC to enable them establish functional businesses. The beneficiaries cut across Christian and Islamic faiths.

Similarly, the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) has complemented the initiative through entrepreneurial sensitization programmes and health awareness campaigns in Port Harcourt Barracks. These programmes not only equipped participants with business ideas but also addressed critical issues of healthy living, including practical sessions on hypertension management.

The atmosphere within the Barracks community has been visibly transformed, with renewed optimism among families who now have access to sustainable livelihoods. By integrating leadership commitment, faith-based partnership, and community-focused initiatives, the empowerment drive has positioned Port Harcourt Barracks as a model of forward-thinking welfare practice in the NA. The success of this initiative affirms the enduring value of the Soldiers’ First Philosophy. Infact, when the family of a soldier is empowered, the strength of the nation is reinforced.