The 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, 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 was in line 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 beginning of the mission in the Republic of Benin. According to him, ten beneficiaries, comprising five males and five females, were enrolled in the programme and trained by Nigerian Army personnel in salon and beauty services. He added that although ten participants commenced the training, only seven successfully completed it due to their commitment, discipline, and dedication.
Major Alizannd Gratien, Representative of the Commandant, Presidential Guard of the Republic of Benin, expressed his profound appreciation to the Nigerian Army, the Commanding Officer, and all troops of Operation ATILEYIN ALAFIA II for their unwavering support, cooperation, and invaluable contributions to the Republic of Benin. He equally charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity by applying the skills they had acquired to improve their livelihoods, become self-reliant, and contribute meaningfully 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 and described 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 immensely to the successful execution of the operation while further strengthening Nigeria’s image in the Republic of Benin.
Delivering her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Ambassador Mopelola Adeola Ibrahim, commended the troops of Operation Atileyin Alafia II (OPAA II) for their discipline, courage, professionalism, and exemplary conduct throughout their mission. She stated that their outstanding performance had earned Nigeria the admiration and respect of the Government and people of the Republic of Benin while 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 and demonstrated 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 noted that the initiative would have a lasting socio-economic impact on the beneficiaries and their communities, congratulated the graduands on successfully completing the training, and urged them to make productive use of the starter kits to build sustainable livelihoods. She also expressed appreciation to 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. The beneficiary described the programme as a rare opportunity that had equipped them 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 knowledge 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.
