NAOWA vows to empower more families with education

The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering families and communities through quality education.

The association stressed the crucial role of education in nation-building, stressing that it is the foundation upon which a prosperous and stable society is built.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of a newly built college at the Port Harcourt Barracks, Rivers State, the President of NAOWA, Mrs. Mernan Oluyode, noted that education is the key to unlocking the potential of individuals, communities, and nations, describing the college as a beacon of hope and a commitment to excellence.

Oluyode, who was represented by the Deputy President of NAOWA, Mrs. Bilikisu Ibrahim, stressed that the project aligns with NAOWA’s vision of enhancing humanity through unity, service, and preserving enduring legacies.

Mrs. Oluyode commended the association’s efforts in promoting education and empowering families and communities across Nigeria. She encouraged NAOWA members to continue supporting the association’s initiatives and to work together to achieve their goals.

Speaking at the event, which was attended by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major-General Jamal Abdulsalam, and other top-ranking officers, she pointed out that the commissioning of the college is part of NAOWA’s ongoing efforts to promote quality education and empower families and communities across Nigeria.

She said: “This college is not just about infrastructure; it is a testament to NAOWA’s enduring vision to empower families and communities through education. We extend our profound appreciation to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major-General Jamal Abdulsalam, for his unwavering support, which has been instrumental in bringing this dream to fruition.

“His leadership has created an enabling environment for an initiative like this to thrive, and for this, we are most grateful. I would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to NAOWA Chairperson, 6th Division Chapter, Mrs. Abdulsalam, for her dedication, vision, and tireless efforts, which have been instrumental in bringing this dream to reality.”

Oluyode, who acknowledged the efforts of former NAOWA President, Mrs. Mariam Lagbaja, who laid the foundation stone for the college on October 30, 2023, said that her visionary leadership and dedication were pivotal to the project’s realisation.

She said, “As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, it is worthy to acknowledge the foundational efforts of our former president Mrs. Mariam Lagbaja, who on October 30, 2023, laid the foundation stone for this college. Her visionary leadership set the stage for the achievement we are witnessing today, and we remain deeply grateful for her foresight and dedication.

“The NAOWA college we are commissioning today is a beacon of hope and a commitment to excellence in education, perfectly aligned with our vision, which is enhancing humanity through a steadfast commitment to unity, service, and preservation of enduring legacies. This institution will undoubtedly serve as a hub for nurturing future leaders, fostering academic excellence, and promoting values that resonate with our mission as an association.”

She, however, urged NAOWA members to be happy for one another, support each other, and maintain confidentiality.

She stressed the importance of unity and sisterhood among members, saying, “NAOWA is about sisterhood, and we must work together to achieve our goals.”

However, the NAOWA Chairperson of the 6th Division Chapter, Mrs. Maryam Abdulsalam, earlier in her address explained that upon assuming her role in April 2023, she identified the urgent need to upgrade the nursery school and advocated for the establishment of the college, modelled after the NAOWA College in Abuja.

Abdulsalam said: “Through the support of the GOC, we overcame challenges, sourced qualified teachers, conducted entrance examinations, and procured necessary resources, including books and uniforms. This collaborative effort was a worthwhile experience, made possible by the dedication of NAOWA women who tirelessly worked alongside me.”