Abuja: The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) has inaugurated the NAOWA Delight Bakery and NAOWA Stitches and Design Centre to expand entrepreneurship opportunities for military families. The President of the association, Mrs. Safiyyah Shaibu, stated that these facilities would serve as hubs for practical training, employment, and income generation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the projects underscore NAOWA’s dedication to transforming skills acquisition into sustainable businesses that can enhance family incomes. Mrs. Shaibu emphasized that the bakery will offer training and income-generating opportunities, while the fashion center will cultivate creativity and entrepreneurship. These facilities are seen as long-term investments in innovation, human capital, and the future of military families.
Shaibu highlighted that the centers align with the goals of the NAOWA Youth Empowerment Programme by furnishing beneficiaries with platforms to hone and commercialize their skills. She remarked that while training is crucial, providing avenues where skills can be developed and transformed into meaningful livelihoods has a more profound impact. The facilities are expected to empower beneficiaries to establish successful businesses and eventually become employers themselves.
The NAOWA president extended her gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for his support of welfare and empowerment initiatives within the Nigerian Army. She also acknowledged the contributions from the Nigerian Army Institute of Management and Technology (NIMTA), instructors, and development partners toward the establishment of these centers. Shaibu called on government agencies, private organizations, and development partners to continue supporting programs that promote entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods among military families.
She expressed optimism that these facilities would bolster economic resilience within barracks communities and contribute to national development. Capt. Safiya Tafida, the Acting Rector of NIMTA, announced that NAOWA is pursuing accreditation for NIMTA to launch National Diploma and Diploma programs, marking a significant step in expanding vocational and technological education.
Tafida noted that the new sewing and garment production factory would provide practical training, create jobs for graduates, and meet the uniform needs of NAOWA schools and other institutions. Outstanding graduates from the fashion program will be considered for employment once the factory commences operations, reflecting NAOWA’s commitment to sustainable empowerment beyond skills acquisition.
The bakery and sewing factory were inaugurated by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), represented by the Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Isa Abdullahi.