NAOWA President vows stronger safety net for widows, vulnerable military families
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Hajiya Safiyyah Shaibu, President, Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), has pledged to strengthen support systems for widows and vulnerable military families, describing them as the “quiet pillars” behind Nigeria’s defenders.
Shaibu made the pledge on Thursday in Abuja, during her first Executive Meeting as the 25th President of the association.
She said she was conscious of the legacy she inherited and the expectations of thousands of women across formations nationwide.
She noted that NAOWA was built on service and sacrifice, adding that the association represented women who supported soldiers on the frontlines while raising families and sustaining communities at home.
She emphasised that the welfare of members, especially widows and families facing hardship, would remain central to her administration.
According to her, beyond welfare, the association will prioritise sustainable programmes that promote economic self-reliance among barracks women.
”When a woman is empowered, a family is strengthened; when families are stable, the military community is stronger.”
The NAOWA president also called for discipline, transparency and proper documentation in the running of the association’s affairs, stressing that accountability must underpin all initiatives.
She urged members of the executive to engage in honest dialogue and develop practical action plans that would reflect current realities facing military families.
”The decisions we make here will affect thousands of families across formations and commands nationwide,” she said.
Shaibu therefore called for unity, clarity and collective responsibility in steering the association forward.
The meeting featured presentation of reports of stewardship by the various coordinators of NAOWA from the various corps and formations nationwide.
It also featured presentations on Discipline Channels of Communication as well as Policy, Procedure and Finances of NAOWA and it is expected be climaxed with a dinner on Friday. (NAN)