The 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, in collaboration with Chi Farms, have embarked on a scheme to empower the wives of military personnel.
Acting Assistant Director, Public Relations, 9 Brigade, Lieutenant Kabirat Akiode, who made this known in a statement on Wednesday, said the program, which kicked off at Headquarters 9 Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment, Lagos, and aims to promote entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency, culminated in the presentation of start-up kits, including easy-step cages, point-of-lay pullets, and bags of feed, to the beneficiaries.
TheFact Daily learns that as a precursor to the handover, a two-day training programme on poultry farming aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency among the personnel’s wives was earlier organized.
Speaking at the event, the Commander, 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Adegoke Adetuyi, commended Chi Farms Limited for their support, stating that the initiative is a testament to the company’s commitment to the welfare of military families.
He further noted that the laudable initiative by Headquarters 9 Brigade and Chi Farms Limited is a shining example of the positive impact that can be achieved through collaborations between the military and private sectors.
The commander recalled the knowledge impacted on the beneficiaries during the two-day training programme on egg production, and the pledge by Chi Farms to hand over the point-of-lay pullets to those who demonstrated commitment and dedication in poultry farming during and after the training.
He also called on the beneficiaries to take their newfound knowledge seriously and be committed to the venture, emphasizing that the initiative would not only improve their financial well-being but also promote their dignity as worthy support for their husbands.
The General Manager, Chi Farms/Cormart Nigeria Limited, Dr Johannes Flosbach, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to organize the training and provide the kits to the participants who demonstrated their commitment to starting their own egg production businesses at their respective barracks locations. He expressed the company’s commitment to the welfare of military personnel and sustainable livelihoods.
The technical team at Chi Farms will provide further support by setting up cages, and pullets at other battalion locations in Ojo, Ikorodu and Owode for personnel wives, with subsequent follow-up to ensure the sustainability of the programme.
Present at the event were Head of Sales Chi Farms, Mr. Felix Ajanaku, Certified Poultry Technicians of Chi Farms, personnel of 9 Brigade and wives of personnel who were also the beneficiaries of the scheme.
