_Army Rescues 100 Needy Students from Dropping Out_
In a bold and compassionate move to support education and strengthen civil-military relations, the Commander 1 Brigade Nigerian Army Gusau, Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, has donated school uniforms, canvas shoes, school bags, and writing materials to 100 underprivileged students of Government Secondary School (GSS) Kaura Namoda, rescuing them from the brink of dropping out due to poverty.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony held at the school premises, the Commander, represented by the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Gobir, said the gesture was part of the Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic approach to addressing internal security challenges and promoting social development. He emphasized that beyond the Army’s traditional role of protecting the nation, it was essential to build trust with the communities and contribute to national growth, in line with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede.
“When we invest in education, we invest in the future of Nigeria. This initiative is a show of solidarity with the youths of Zamfara, especially those from less privileged backgrounds,” Brig Gen Opurum said.
The intervention came after the Commander received reports about 100 students in the school who were attending classes without uniforms due to financial constraints, which severely affected their morale. In response, Brig Gen T M Opurum promptly commissioned a tailor from Gusau to sew and supply:
100 sets of school uniforms
100 pairs of rubber school canvas shoes
100 school bags
300 exercise books
100 pens and 100 pencils
According to the Army, these high-quality materials are expected to serve the beneficiaries throughout their secondary education.
The Zamfara State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wadatau Madawaki, represented by Sagir Sani Dandango, Director of Physical Planning at the Ministry, commended the gesture, describing it as timely and complementary to the State Government’s recent declaration of a state of emergency on education. He revealed that renovation work and further support would soon be extended to the school.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Kaura Namoda Local Government Council, Hon. Mannir Haidara who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Sharahu Almajir, praised the Army’s intervention, calling it a wake-up call to other well-meaning Nigerians to support public schools.
The Principal of GSS Kaura Namoda, Malam Muhammad Makiyyu, in his vote of thanks, expressed deep appreciation to the Brigade Commander for the intervention. He explained that he had deliberately enrolled all students, including those without uniforms, to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the community, in line with the state’s education drive.
The event was graced by senior military officers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, and members of the host community. It underscored the Army’s commitment to fostering peace not only through security operations but also through social investment and community development.
