By Chimezie Godfrey
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, has lauded the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) for its strategic interventions to bolster home-front stability and fortify the welfare of service personnel.
The commendation came on Tuesday, during a courtesy visit by the President of NAOWA, Mrs Safiyya Hassan Shaibu, and her executive team to Army Headquarters, Abuja.
In his address, Lt-Gen Shaibu emphasized that NAOWA’s ongoing programmes — spanning education, healthcare, community development, and entrepreneurship are instrumental in sustaining troop morale and enabling officers and soldiers to carry out their constitutional duties with focus and dedication.
He pointed out that providing emotional and mental stability for military families is central to achieving optimal performance from personnel.
The COAS also highlighted the increasing importance of technology in national development. He urged NAOWA to intensify its efforts in skills acquisition, digital literacy, and campaigns against fake news among military families.
Furthermore, he solicited continued support for the Army Command, especially in enhancing the capacities of the NAOWA Hospital, and proposed extending home-front support to the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA).
Mrs. Safiyya Hassan Shaibu, President of NAOWA, in her remarks, felicitated the COAS on his appointment. She stressed that her administration’s vision involves building a united, pro-active association that empowers military families through sustainable livelihood initiatives. Key among her plans is the establishment of a NAOWA Innovation Hub, equipped with modern infrastructure, coupled with the revitalisation of projects across all Army formations.
The initiative, she said, will foster self-reliance, digital competence, and financial sustainability for the wives and children of service personnel.