Nigerian Army troops deployed on a peace support mission in the Republic of Benin under Operation Atileyin Alafia II (OPAA II) have strengthened civil-military relations by empowering seven Beninese beneficiaries with salon starter kits, following the successful completion of a three-month vocational skills acquisition programme at the OPAA II Vocational Training Centre, Togbin Camp, Cotonou.
In his welcome remarks, the Commanding Officer of OPAA II, Lieutenant Colonel AA Ikoro, welcomed the Special Guest of Honour, members of the diplomatic community, the Nigerian Defence Attaché, and other distinguished guests for honouring the occasion. He explained that the initiative aligned with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy, which prioritises the welfare of host communities through impactful Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities.
Lieutenant Colonel Ikoro disclosed that the training commenced in April 2026, at the start of the mission in the Republic of Benin. He said ten beneficiaries, comprising five males and five females, were enrolled in the programme and trained by Nigerian Army personnel in salon and beauty services. Although ten participants began the training, only seven completed it, a feat he attributed to their commitment, discipline, and dedication.
Major Alizannd Gratien, representing the Commandant of the Presidential Guard of the Republic of Benin, expressed profound appreciation to the Nigerian Army, the Commanding Officer, and all troops of OPAA II for their unwavering support, cooperation, and contributions to the Republic of Benin. He urged the beneficiaries to put the opportunity to good use by applying their newly acquired skills to improve their livelihoods, become self-reliant, and contribute to the socio-economic development of their communities.
In his goodwill message, the Nigerian Defence Attaché to the Republic of Benin, Colonel SY Yahaya, congratulated the seven successful beneficiaries, describing them as winners for completing the programme. He also commended the troops of OPAA II for their professionalism, discipline, and exemplary conduct throughout the mission, noting that their performance had contributed significantly to the operation’s success while strengthening Nigeria’s image in the Republic of Benin.
The Special Guest of Honour and Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Ambassador Mopelola Adeola Ibrahim, commended the troops for their discipline, courage, professionalism, and exemplary conduct throughout the mission. She said their performance had earned Nigeria the admiration and respect of the government and people of the Republic of Benin, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a dependable partner in promoting regional peace, stability, and democratic governance. She added that the troops had left behind a legacy worthy of emulation, demonstrating that the Nigerian soldier remains among the finest in the world.
While presenting the salon starter kits and certificates to the beneficiaries, Ambassador Ibrahim described the empowerment programme as a reflection of the enduring friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. She said the initiative would have a lasting socio-economic impact on the beneficiaries and their communities, congratulated the graduands on their achievement, and urged them to make productive use of the starter kits to build sustainable livelihoods. She also thanked the troops for their selfless service and wished them continued success as they returned to their respective units.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, one of the graduands, Mr Gossou Celestin, expressed profound appreciation to the Commanding Officer of OPAA II, the Nigerian Army, and the government and people of Nigeria for the life-changing initiative. He described the programme as a rare opportunity that had equipped the beneficiaries with valuable vocational skills and the necessary starter kits to establish sustainable livelihoods. The beneficiaries pledged to make judicious use of the empowerment packages and apply the skills acquired to improve their lives and contribute positively to their communities.
The ceremony marked another milestone in OPAA II’s Civil-Military Cooperation efforts, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to fostering goodwill, strengthening bilateral relations, and improving the socio-economic well-being of host communities in the Republic of Benin.
