Abuja: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated the Nigerian Army’s dedication to enhancing the welfare of military families through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship initiatives. This commitment was highlighted during the graduation ceremony of 192 beneficiaries of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) Youth Empowerment Project in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the COAS, represented by Maj.-Gen. Isa Abdullahi, emphasized the importance of the ICT and Fashion Design training programs, as well as the inauguration of NAOWA Delight Bakery and NAOWA Stitches and Designs. These initiatives are seen as vital steps in empowering military families with sustainable livelihoods. Quoting motivational speaker Jim Rohn, the COAS stressed the value of self-education in fostering entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic development in Nigeria.
The COAS encouraged graduates to adopt innovation, integrity, and resilience, viewing the ceremony as the start of new opportunities rather than the conclusion of their learning. Dr. Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, President of NAOWA, articulated the association’s vision of fostering self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods among military families. She highlighted the significance of equipping 192 graduates with practical skills in ICT and fashion design, while the new bakery and fashion hub aim to create platforms for training and entrepreneurship.
Mrs. Mernan Femi Oluyede, President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), described the graduation as a strategic investment in human capital, essential for preparing young Nigerians for a technology-driven economy. She commended NAOWA for combining skills acquisition with enterprise, acknowledging its potential to transform generations and facilitate sustainable development.
Former NAOWA President, Mrs. Salamatu Yahaya, praised the association’s ongoing empowerment programs, which benefit military families and surrounding communities. Yahaya lauded the inauguration of the bakery and fashion center as significant achievements and pledged her continued support for initiatives promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Capt. Safiya Tafida, Acting Rector of the NAOWA Institute of Management and Technology (NIMTA), noted that the program graduated 192 trainees, including 160 in ICT and 32 in Fashion Design. Tafida mentioned NAOWA’s pursuit of accreditation for National Diploma programs and plans to establish a garment production factory to employ outstanding graduates. The factory aims to produce uniforms for NAOWA schools and other institutions, thereby expanding employment opportunities.
The event culminated with the presentation of certificates to graduates and the inauguration of the NAOWA Delight Bakery and NAOWA Stitches and Designs Centre.