The President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Dr Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, has charged graduands of the Batch 1 NAOWA Youth Empowerment Project 2026 to translate the skills and knowledge acquired during their training into sustainable livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and meaningful contributions to national development.
Dr Safiyyah gave the charge during the combined graduation ceremony of Batch 1 trainees in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Fashion Design, held alongside the unveiling of the NAOWA Delight Bakery and NAOWA Stitches and Designs.
The ceremony, which marked another milestone in the empowerment drive of NAOWA under Dr Shaibu’s leadership, brought together senior military officers, members of sister associations, NAOWA stakeholders, guests, facilitators, instructors, graduands, and well-wishers.
In her opening remarks, the NAOWA President expressed gratitude to Almighty God and described the occasion as a significant milestone in the Association’s journey, noting that the event celebrated not only the successful completion of training by the first batch of ICT and Fashion Design trainees, but also the unveiling of facilities designed to transform skills into practical opportunities.
According to her, the initiative is anchored on her vision to build a united and innovative NAOWA that empowers military families through self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods. She added that every initiative of the Association is guided by a commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian Army families and the communities they serve.
Dr Safiyyah noted that the 192 graduands represented a promising generation whose potential, if properly nurtured, could make meaningful contributions to the nation. She observed that while digital technology continues to redefine industries and create new opportunities, the fashion industry remains a vibrant sector capable of promoting creativity, entrepreneurship, and employment.
The NAOWA President further described the newly unveiled NAOWA Delight Bakery and NAOWA Stitches and Designs as tangible expressions of the Association’s commitment to practical skills development, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment. She explained that the bakery would serve as a centre for training, employment, and income generation, while NAOWA Stitches and Designs would provide a modern environment for creativity, talent development, and the transformation of entrepreneurial ideas into viable businesses.
Dr Safiyyah emphasised that the facilities were not merely physical structures, but enduring investments in people, innovation, and the future of military families. She added that the facilities would complement the objectives of the NAOWA Youth Empowerment Project by providing platforms where beneficiaries could practise, develop, and transform their acquired skills into meaningful and sustainable livelihoods.
She expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, represented at the occasion by the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General IM Abdullahi, for his unwavering support and commitment to NAOWA programmes and initiatives.
The President also appreciated the Mother of the Day, Mrs Hadiza Bello Danbazau, acknowledged the presence and contributions of the Guest of Honour, Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, and recognised the former President of NAOWA, Mrs Salamatu Farouq Yahaya, whose leadership, mentorship, and contributions, she noted, had helped lay a solid foundation for the continued growth of the Association.
