The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Anthony Omozoje on Monday declared that women are no longer tagged as second citizen in the Nigerian Army.
Major General Omozoje stated this while receiving members of the Oyo state Council of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, ( NAWOJ) at Odogbo Barracks in Ibadan.
The GOC pointed out that the Nigeria Army operates on the basis of law which allows female colleagues to pursue higher rank in their career and that the command prioritized the issue of protecting the interest of women and children of thier officers, saying, women are no longer tagged second class citizens in the army.
“Contrary to the general belief that women in uniform are limited to get to the peak in their career, opportunities are open for our women to attain any post, they are no longer tagged second class citizens in the army. A female colleague can become a commandant, and I believe that one day, a woman will become the G.O.C of this division,” hee said.
Major General Omozoje stressed that the Nigeria Army gives special provision and attention to wives of officers in service, widows and children of the deceased colleagues, and that there is a group life assurance cover, ensuring the protection of the officers immediate families.
While commenting on the standard of the Nigerian Army Schools, the GOC said though the school has produced many big wigs in the society, nevertheless, the command will work towards improving the quantity and standard of the schools.
The GOC then lauded NAWOJ efforts in ensuring that women are given the freedom to be heard, saying, ” we are aware you hold gender issues very dearly, and for us in the army, these are key issues that needs to be given top priority.”
Oyo state NAWOJ Chairperson, Comrade Jadesola Ajibola while speaking earlier emphasized that the issue of insecurity in the country concerns everyone, as no woman can afford to lose her husband or any of her children to the hand of the terriorists.
Comrade Ajibola however solicited for a partnership between the command and the association to continually educate the masses especially women and children on how to become the best they can be.
