By Adamu Yusuf
The Beyond Barracks Project, in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA), Kaduna Chapter, has trained women on digital visibility, branding, and the effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to enhance business growth and personal development.
One of the founding directors of the Beyond Barracks Project, Mohammed Thompson, described the programme as impactful and rewarding, noting that participants shared testimonies on the positive changes and benefits derived from the training.
According to him, the initiative was designed to equip women with digital visibility skills and expose them to AI tools capable of helping them promote their businesses and improve their online presence.
Mr. Thompson explained that the organisation focuses mainly on supporting members of defence families, stressing that while many organisations target the general public, little attention is often given to families of personnel defending the country.
The five-day training programme, facilitated by Digimatch Data Solutions and Services, aimed at equipping participants with practical digital skills needed to strengthen online business presence and maximise opportunities in the digital economy.
The Chief Executive Officer of Digimatch Data Solutions and Services, Stanley John Owoma, said the training exposed participants to practical digital tools and techniques required for business visibility in the modern digital environment.
He noted that many women involved in business lacked adequate online visibility and effective digital marketing strategies, adding that the programme introduced participants to innovative ways of utilising digital and AI tools for business growth and personal advancement.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commander, 453 Base Services Group, Kaduna, Air Commodore E.E. Bello, described the initiative as a visionary effort aimed at empowering women with modern technological skills necessary to thrive in a technology-driven society.
Represented by Squadron Leader Kaduna, the Base Commander said the training broadened participants’ understanding of digital marketing, branding, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the role of AI in communication and business development.
He also commended NAFOWA Kaduna Chapter for championing initiatives that promote capacity building, self-reliance, and socio-economic advancement among women within the Nigerian Air Force community.
In her address, the Coordinator of the Forward ATC Chapter, Mrs. Rachel Bello, described the just-concluded training programme as intensive, impactful, and highly educative for women within the Base community.
Mrs. Bello said the initiative was designed to equip women entrepreneurs and service providers with digital skills needed to promote their businesses beyond the Base environment.
According to her, many women within the community engage in various businesses and services but lack the visibility required to expand their reach.
She explained that the programme exposed participants to modern digital tools, including AI applications and platforms such as ChatGPT, which can be used to create promotional content and improve business visibility.
Mrs. Bello noted that participants learned how to produce videos showcasing their products and services, adding that the training had already begun making a positive impact on the women.
She described the experience as rewarding, stressing that the knowledge acquired would help participants compete effectively in the digital space.
On future plans, Mrs. Bello disclosed that the organisers are considering further collaboration with development partners to replicate the training for youths within the Base community.
She expressed confidence that young people in the community would easily adapt to the use of AI tools and digital platforms to promote their talents and skills.
Mrs. Bello added that more partnerships and similar initiatives were being planned to expand digital literacy and empowerment opportunities within the community.
One of the trainees, Mrs. Aisha Bambali, said the programme exposed participants to content creation, digital engagement, and strategies for increasing business visibility.
She explained that the skills acquired would help many women reduce operational costs by independently designing flyers, logos, stickers, and other promotional materials.
Another participant, Mrs. Grace Igono, urged participants to remain consistent and intentional in promoting their businesses online, describing the training as highly beneficial.
The Chairperson of NAFOWA Kaduna Chapter, Mrs. Ipi Efanga, who was represented by Mrs. Halima Suleman, appreciated the Beyond Barracks Project for the partnership, which she said yielded positive results.
Participants also called for more empowerment initiatives aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship and expanding economic opportunities among women in the barracks community.
