By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has applauded the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) for its sustained efforts in promoting home-front stability and enhancing the welfare of children and families of Army personnel.
According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS gave the commendation on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, when the President of NAOWA, Mrs Safiyya Hassan Shaibu, led members of the association’s executive on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Lieutenant General Shaibu highlighted the critical support NAOWA provides in creating a peaceful and resilient home environment, which enables officers and soldiers to discharge their constitutional duties with greater focus and efficiency.
He praised the association’s far-reaching interventions in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and community development, describing them as vital components of troop morale and overall welfare.
He further noted that while Army personnel bear the responsibility of defending the nation, NAOWA plays an indispensable role in ensuring their emotional and psychological stability—an essential requirement for optimal operational performance.
The COAS emphasised the growing importance of skills acquisition, digital literacy and awareness on misinformation for military families, stressing that technology remains a central driver of national development.
He also urged NAOWA to continue supporting the Army Command and NAOWA Hospital, while extending similar home-front support initiatives to the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA).
In her remarks, the NAOWA President, Mrs Safiyya Hassan Shaibu, congratulated the COAS on his appointment and outlined her administration’s vision of fostering a united, innovative and impactful association. She reaffirmed NAOWA’s commitment to promoting self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods among military families.
Mrs Shaibu disclosed that the association’s strategic priorities revolve around empowerment, education, healthcare and welfare, with a focus on entrepreneurship, digital skills development and long-term financial sustainability.
She also announced the establishment of a NAOWA Innovation Hub equipped with modern facilities, alongside plans to revitalise NAOWA projects across all Army formations.
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