By Kingsley Omonobi

The 176 Guards Battalion of the Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, has concluded a four-day Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Programme for spouses of personnel at General O.A. Azazi Barracks, Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The training, which ran from November 19 to 22, 2025, was organised by the Commanding Officer of the battalion, Lt. Col. Oladimeji Ajongbo, with the theme: “Entrepreneurship Wisdom to Maximize Skills and Opportunities.”

According to Guards Brigade spokesperson, Lt. Odunola Olawuyi, the programme was designed to equip participants with sustainable income-generating skills through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on sessions covering entrepreneurship, branding, personal development and small-scale business management.

A total of 103 women were trained in paint production, yoghurt, granola, parfait, and scented-candle making. A key highlight was the unveiling of items produced during the training, branded as “Hawk Yoghurt” and “Hawk Paints.”

Starter kits and certificates were presented to all participants, while five beneficiaries received CAC business registration certificates from Mrs. Opeyemi Ajongbo to support the launch of their enterprises.

The programme also featured practical training in screeding and painting, culminating in a community project where two buildings within the barracks were painted using the newly produced Hawk Paints, demonstrating the practical value of the skills acquired.

The initiative reflects the Army’s commitment to empowering military families, promoting self-reliance, enhancing financial stability, and supporting community growth.