The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has underscored the critical role of mental wellness, emotional stability and strong family values in supporting military personnel.

Sanwo-Olu spoke at the maiden edition of the SHINE Seminar, organised as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.

The seminar, themed SHINE — Self-Control, Humility, Integrity, Inner Balance, Nurturing Relationships and Emotional Stability — brought together naval officers’ wives, mental health professionals, etiquette experts and distinguished guests for a day of reflection, learning and personal development.

The First Lady praised the efforts of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) in promoting family values and supporting social causes.

According to her, the association’s efforts are particularly evident in its outreach programmes in Lagos schools aimed at exposing young people to naval careers and strengthening security consciousness among students.

Sanwo-Olu also commended the Nigerian Navy for safeguarding national interests and maintaining maritime security, noting that its contributions extend beyond operational duties to community development and national cohesion.

She described the seminar’s theme as timely and relevant, saying it addressed the growing need for self-development, emotional intelligence and mental wellness in contemporary society.

The governor’s wife stressed that mental health should not be treated as a one-time conversation, but as an ongoing necessity for individual well-being, family stability and societal progress.

She urged participants to embrace the values of unity, mutual support and understanding, noting that emotionally balanced families play a vital role in helping naval personnel remain focused and effective in the discharge of their duties.

Speaking at the event, the National President of NOWA, Mrs Aisha Idi Abbas, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening military families and equipping them with the emotional tools needed to navigate the unique challenges associated with naval service.

Abbas noted that officers and their spouses often shoulder the dual responsibility of maintaining professional effectiveness while ensuring stability on the home front despite frequent deployments, operational demands and the uncertainties associated with military life.

She maintained that the home should remain the anchor, emphasising that resilient families provide the foundation for effective service delivery.

According to her, the seminar was conceived to empower naval families with practical knowledge on emotional wellness, interpersonal relationships and personal conduct.

Abbas also expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for his support for NOWA’s programmes, while thanking invited guests, stakeholders and resource persons for contributing to the success of the event.

The event featured presentations by mental health specialists, wellness practitioners and etiquette consultants, who shared practical insights on stress management, healthy relationships, positive habits and emotional resilience.

Beyond the discussions, the SHINE Seminar reflected NOWA’s broader commitment to strengthening the social and emotional well-being of naval families, reinforcing the belief that the well-being of service personnel is closely tied to that of their families.