Maj. Gen. Oladele Arogundade, the Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (NASEME), highlighted that numerous officers, along with their spouses and families, have benefitted from a comprehensive training program focused on agribusiness enterprise and entrepreneurship. Speaking at the conclusion of a five-day Investment Initiative program jointly organized by the army, Taro Agro Consulting, and Ifiefruity Services, Arogundade emphasized that agribusiness training is a key component of the Chief of Army Staff’s directive to empower officers, spouses, and families to engage in agricultural endeavors.
“The program is designed to support our loved ones on the home front—our spouses, children, and dependents—ensuring that while soldiers are on the battlefield, they have peace of mind knowing their families are well taken care of,” stated Arogundade.
He explained that participants underwent training in various areas such as fish farming, vegetable cultivation, poultry farming, and fruit juice production. Additionally, the program aimed to capitalize on the school’s extensive land resources for farming activities.
“Farming provides a legitimate avenue for us in uniform to supplement our income and meet our financial obligations. With the ample land available in Auchi, this training equips us to harness our environment effectively,” he emphasized.
Colonel Thompson Oshuporu, the Director of Studies at NASEME, urged participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the program to initiate and expand their agribusiness ventures.
“The program aims to provide support to our families—our spouses, children, and dependents—ensuring that they are well cared for while soldiers are engaged in frontline combat,” stated Arogundade.
He outlined that participants received training in fish farming, vegetable cultivation, poultry rearing, and fruit juice production. Arogundade emphasized the program’s focus on leveraging the extensive land resources available at the school for agricultural purposes.
“Farming serves as a legitimate means for uniformed personnel to supplement their income and fulfill financial obligations. With abundant land in Auchi, this training equips us to capitalize on our surroundings effectively,” he remarked.
Colonel Thompson Oshuporu, the Director of Studies at NASEME, encouraged participants to utilize the knowledge and skills acquired during the program to establish and expand their agribusiness ventures.
“The NASEME Investment Initiative program is envisioned as an annual event that will positively impact the socio-economic development of the school and the surrounding community,” he added.
Resource persons Mr. Akintero Olamide and Mrs. Ifeoma Aniekan affirmed the effectiveness of the training, stating that participants had been empowered with skills that could serve as economic assets for themselves and their families.
“We believe that food security is paramount for national security. A hungry military personnel finds it challenging to perform optimally for national security. Our aim is to empower officers, their spouses, and young people within the barracks with agribusiness knowledge,” they explained.
Beneficiaries Mrs. Charity Sunday and Helen Okpara expressed gratitude to the army for the initiative. They praised the school’s commandant for the program and pledged to apply the skills acquired.
The closing ceremony featured the presentation of certificates to both the resource persons and the participants of the training.
