From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (NASEME) in Auchi, Edo State, recently hosted a five-day skill acquisition training program for its personnel, family members, and members of the host community in Auchi. The program, organised by Commandant Major General Arogundade, aimed to empower participants with skills in various agro-business enterprises and entrepreneurship.
The Capacity Development Programme, held in conjunction with TARO Agro Consulting and IFIERUITY Logistics Services, took place at the NASEME headquarters auditorium and other designated areas within the barracks. The program focused on fish farming, vegetable farming, poultry farming, fruit styling, and other skills.
A total of 677 participants registered for the program, which included morning and evening sessions. The theme of the program was “Capacity Development Programme Focused on Selected Agro-Business Enterprises and Entrepreneurial Training.”
In an interview with Daily Sun, Major General Arogundade explained that the program aimed to support the home front and promote self-sufficiency within the barracks community. He was motivated to organise the training to align with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy, which emphasises sound administration. “Hence, the empowerment program was aimed at assisting our wives and wards to have a source of livelihood taking advantage of the vast arable land available in Auchi,” he said.
Major General Arogundade expressed satisfaction with the large number of participants, both from within and outside the barracks. He stated, “In the next six months, I expect the impact of the training to be such that families can have extra sources of income, and it will reduce the financial burden of serving personnel. It will also reduce crime and unemployment in the barracks and the host community, hence ensuring food security.”
He added, “The enthusiasm shown by participants was really encouraging. Especially considering that it was both morning and evening sessions which was quite intensive for the five days.”
Looking ahead, the commandant expects participants to make significant progress in their chosen endeavours within the next six months. He urged them not to take the training for granted and to start putting their newly acquired skills into practice. “My advice to trainees is to start out,” he said. “I always say think big start small. You can’t complete a journey you never started. It is a journey, not an event.”