The Nigeria Armed forces has commenced skill acquisition training for the spouses of about 3 00 soldiers and dependants under the Defence Headquarter Skill Acquisition programme at the Chari Megumeri Cantonment in Lokoja.

Flagging off the programme, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)Admiral Ola Sa'ad Ibrahim said the programme, which was conceptualized in 2008 was to enhance the social economic condition of Armed Forces personnel by equipping their spouses and dependants with various skills that would make them self employed and be job creators.

The CDS who was represented by Brig Gen. Chris Olukolade, said the initiative was a deliberate strategy to eradicate poverty, reduce social vices in and around the barack, eliminate distraction and promote efficiency and professionalism among armed forces personne. He said, that 16,000 spouses and dependents have so far benefited from the training programme

He said at the end of six weeks training, the beneficiaries would be given empowerment grant which would be paid back after a certain period for others to also benefit.