The Nigerian Army, 19 Battalion, Naquora Barracks, Okitipupa in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Saturday graduated no fewer than 40 trainees from it’s Crocodile 19 Battalion Empowerment Centre.
The centre which was established in year 2013 for skill acquisition programmes to assist wives, widows and children of deceased personnel on self-reliance.
The 40 students graduated from six departments such as fashion designing, hairdressing/makeup, catering, barbing, textile, cosmetology one and two.
The Special Guest of Honour, Brigadier General. AO Balogun, Commander, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin, commended the graduands for their dedication, perseverance and commitment in the six months programme.
Balogun who was represented by Captain AO Alemongwa, Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda
According to him, 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 setback.
“The teachers, especially the coordinator, are commended for doing a great job by instilling the best knowledge to the graduands, I congratulate you all,” Balogun said.
Earlier, Major Elijah Morakinyo, the Commanding Officer, 19 Battalion Rear said that the empowerment centre, which suffered setbacks due to lack of funds, was re-opened when he assumed duty.
“On assumption of office, 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 have graduated 167 students in 2 batches another 40 students today.
“I am so happy because the graduands have all their products displayed here today,” Morakinyo said.
Also, Mrs Duniya Moses, Coordinator of Crocodile 19 Battalion Empowerment Centre, said that the training was tidious in the beginning, but the assimilation process of the students was impressive.
“We started with 52 students in this third edition and only 40 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, ably represented commended Morakinyo and said that 19 Battalion experienced a positive turnaround since his assumption
According to him, the graduands should ensure that they showcase their potentials in their area of study outside their immediate environment, and continue to be a role model to the public.
One of the graduands, Miss Deborah Ahmed of catering department, appreciated Morakinyo for the “golden opportunity” and promised to use the training from the centre judiciously.
Miss Ifatumule Opeyemi who graduated as the overall best student from fashion designing department expressed her joy for being able to graduate from the centre and thanked her teachers, coordinator and the Commanding Officer for the opportunity.
Present during the event were, royal father, representatives of other security agencies which include, Nigerian Navy, NSCDC, FRSC among others. Starter packs were also presented to graduating students.