The Nigerian Army, 19 Battalion, Naquora Barracks, Okitipupa, on Saturday graduated no fewer than 64 trainees from its Crocodile 19 Battalion Empowerment Centre in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo state.

The centre was established in 2013 for skill acquisition programmes to assist wives, widows and children of deceased personnel on self-reliance.

64 students graduated from seven departments such as fashion designing, hairdressing, catering, barbing, makeup, textile, cosmetology one and two.

The special guest of honour, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, commander, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin, commended the graduands for their dedication, perseverance and commitment in the six months programme.

Mr Oduyebo was represented by his wife, Akon Vera Oduyebo, the zonal coordinator, Nigeria Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), 4 Brigade, Benin.

According to Mr Oduyebo, the graduands should make judicious use of all they have learnt at the empowerment centre to better their lives.

“I specially thank the commanding officer for making the empowerment centre viable again after many years of setbacks.

“The teachers, especially the coordinator, are commended for doing a great job by instilling the best knowledge to the graduands, I congratulate you all,” Mr Oduyebo said.

Earlier, Maj. Elijah Morakinyo, the commanding Officer, 19 Battalion, said that the empowerment centre, which suffered setbacks due to lack of funds, was re-opened when he assumed duty last year.

“On assumption of office last year, I ensured payment of outstanding salaries of workers, gave the structure a facelift and the centre reopened for lectures.

“To the glory of God, the centre was able to graduate 47 students in June and another 64 students today.

“I am so happy because the graduands have all their products displayed here today,” Ms Morakinyo said.

Also, Duniya Moses, coordinator of Crocodile 19 Battalion Empowerment Centre, said that the training was tedious in the beginning, but the assimilation process of the students was impressive.

“We started with 81 students in this second edition and 64 of them made it to the end, I thank the commanding officer for his show of love and encouragement.

“I also thank the students for their perseverance and dedication too,” she said.

Similarly, Oba Michael Adetoye-Obatuga, the Jegun of Idepe-Okitipupa, the royal guest of honour, commended Ms Morakinyo and said that 19 Battalion experienced a positive turnaround since his assumption.

According to him, the graduands should ensure that they showcase their potential in their area of study outside their immediate environment, and continue to be a role model to the public.

One of the graduands, Juliana Elizino-Imiwakpo, catering department, appreciated Ms Morakinyo for the “golden opportunity” and promised to use the training from the centre judiciously.

Magret Godwin, who also graduated from hairdressing, expressed her joy for being able to graduate from the centre and thanked her teachers, coordinator and the commanding officer for the opportunity.

Royal fathers, representatives of Army personnel, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Police, Nigerian Bar Association, among others graced the graduation ceremony. 

(NAN)