NAOWA empowered 394 youths, distributed 15,000 palliative, says President
NAOWA empowered 394 youths, distributed 15,000 palliative, says President
Dr Safiyyah Shaibu, the President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), says the association has since her assumption of office, trained 394 youths in ICT and fashion design to boost self-reliance.
Shaibu made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while declaring open the 2026 NAOWA National Executive Meeting.
She said the association also distributed more than 15,000 palliatives to members, widows of fallen heroes, mosques and churches since the commencement of her tenure.
According to her, the interventions reflect NAOWA’s commitment to empowering military families, promoting sustainable livelihoods and improving their welfare.
She said her vision as the 25th NAOWA President was to build a united and innovative association that would empower military families through self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
“When women are empowered, families become stronger, communities become more peaceful and the nation becomes more prosperous,” she said.
Shaibu also announced plans to establish the NAOWA Tech Hub at Mambilla Barracks to provide innovation, technology and entrepreneurship training for youths and women.
She said the initiative would equip beneficiaries with digital skills required to succeed in the modern economy.
The NAOWA President said the association established NAOWA Delight Bakery and NAOWA Stitches and Design as practical centres for skills acquisition, job creation and income generation.
She added that widows of fallen heroes would receive priority consideration for training at the bakery to enhance their economic independence.
On healthcare, Shaibu said NAOWA upgraded the Accident and Emergency Ward at the Military Hospital, Ikoyi, Lagos, and donated medical equipment to the 243 Battalion Medical Reception Station, Badagry.
She added that the association also conducted medical outreach during the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration in Port Harcourt and supported patients with relief materials and cash gifts.
According to her, NAOWA strengthened health advocacy by partnering sister associations on World Cancer Day awareness campaigns and introduced quarterly sports and fitness programmes for members.
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Shaibu said the association also enhanced leadership capacity through workshops and expanded international partnerships with participation in programmes in the United Kingdom and the African Women’s Summit in Zanzibar.
She said that NAOWA donated a 14-seater Hiace bus and a 250KVA generator to its national secretariat to improve official operations.
Shaibu urged members to remain united and committed to sustaining programmes that improve the welfare of military families across the country.
She said the two-day executive meeting would review programmes, address challenges and develop practical strategies for strengthening the association.
She added that participants would also receive sensitisation on the NAOWA Multipurpose Cooperative Society and drug prevention from officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Shaibu expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for his unwavering support for NAOWA’s programmes and welfare initiatives.
She urged members to remain focused, embrace unity and make decisions that would strengthen the association and benefit military families nationwide.
