Abuja: The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) has successfully empowered 192 youths in the fields of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and fashion design. This initiative is aimed at promoting self-reliance and ensuring a sustainable livelihood among military families.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the President of NAOWA, Mrs. Safiyyah Shaibu, announced this during the graduation ceremony of the 2026 NAOWA Youth Empowerment Programme Batch 1 held in Abuja. The training was facilitated by the NAOWA Institute of Management and Technology (NIMTA), in collaboration with its technical partners. Mrs. Shaibu emphasized that the program was designed to equip young people with practical skills that can lead to employment opportunities and reduce their dependence on white-collar jobs.
Mrs. Shaibu highlighted that empowerment extends beyond just acquiring vocational skills; it involves building confidence, creating opportunities, and enabling beneficiaries to achieve economic independence. She articulated the association’s vision of fostering a united and innovative NAOWA that empowers military families through self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
The NAOWA president noted that the graduates had gained essential knowledge and practical skills required to excel in the digital economy and Nigeria’s burgeoning fashion industry. She encouraged the beneficiaries to view their certificates as the beginning of a new journey, rather than the culmination of their training.
“The true measure of your success will not lie in the certificates you hold but on how effectively you apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired. Continue to learn, embrace innovation, remain resilient and never allow temporary setbacks to define your future,” she advised.
Mrs. Shaibu urged the graduates to maintain discipline, integrity, and excellence while committing to continuous learning. She stressed that investing in human capital is vital for building stronger families and a more prosperous society. She expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for supporting programs that enhance the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel and their families.
Moreover, the NAOWA president praised NIMTA, the facilitators, and partners for ensuring the successful execution of the training program. She appealed to stakeholders to continue supporting skills acquisition and entrepreneurship to broaden opportunities for young Nigerians.
Capt. Safiya Tafida, the Acting Rector of NIMTA, stated that the graduates included 160 ICT trainees and 32 fashion designers who were trained under the NAOWA-sponsored vocational empowerment program. The ICT trainees underwent a six-week intensive program, while the fashion trainees completed three months of practical and entrepreneurial training to prepare them for self-employment.
Tafida urged the graduates to uphold professionalism, integrity, and excellence, reminding them that they are now ambassadors of NIMTA and their conduct and work quality will reflect the institute’s values. The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the beneficiaries were empowered with starter packs, including sewing machines, laptops, and other equipment.