Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, Commander of the 1 Brigade Nigerian Army in Gusau, has provided critical support to 100 indigent students of Government Secondary School (GSS) Kaura Namoda, who faced the risk of dropping out due to lack of school materials.
The donation event, held at the school on Wednesday, July 31, 2025, featured the distribution of full educational kits, including 100 school uniforms, white canvas shoes, school bags, and writing materials such as 300 exercise books, 100 pens, and 100 pencils. The items were presented on behalf of the Brigade Commander by the Chief of Staff, Lt. Col. Ibrahim Gobir.
Lt. Col. Gobir stated that the intervention is part of the Nigerian Army’s non-combat approach to promoting peace and stability by supporting education and enhancing civil-military relations. He noted that the initiative aligns with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. O.O. Oluyede, which emphasizes positive community engagement.
He revealed that Brig. Gen. Opurum took swift action after learning that over 100 students were struggling due to the inability to afford uniforms. A tailor was hired from Gusau to sew the uniforms, and all donated items were made with durable materials to last through the students’ academic journey.
Representing the Zamfara State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wadatau Madawaki, the Director of Physical Planning, Sagir Sani Dandango, applauded the Army’s gesture, saying it reinforces the state’s ongoing efforts to improve the education sector. He also disclosed that renovation and additional instructional materials would soon be provided to the school.
The Vice Chairman of Kaura Namoda Local Government, Hon. Sharahu Almajir, who represented the council chairman, described the Army’s action as timely and urged others to follow suit in supporting vulnerable students.
The School Principal Malam Muhammad Makiyyu expressed sincere appreciation to Brig. Gen. Opurum, highlighting that he had continued to admit students without uniforms in support of reducing out-of-school children. He said the intervention would in no small measure uplift the morale and self-esteem of the beneficiaries.
The event drew attendance from military officials, traditional leaders, religious figures, parents, and members of the local community.
