The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and economic wellbeing of its personnel and families with the groundbreaking ceremony of the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) Neighbourhood Market in Idu, Abuja.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said the strength of any military institution lies not only in operational effectiveness but also in the well-being, stability and morale of its personnel and their families.
Represented by the Managing Director of Nigerian Air Force Investment Property, Air Vice Marshal RK Olanrewaju, the CAS commended the leadership of NAFOWA for conceptualising what he described as a laudable initiative aimed at creating opportunities and improving livelihoods within the Nigerian Air Force community.
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Air Marshal Aneke said that “the project reflects the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Air Force family towards empowerment, welfare enhancement and sustainable community development, noting that NAFOWA has continued to complement the Service’s welfare programmes through impactful and people-oriented initiatives”.
According to him, the neighbourhood market is designed to support entrepreneurship, encourage self-reliance and create economic opportunities for women, widows and families of Nigerian Air Force personnel.
He stressed that beyond being a commercial facility, the project represents hope, resilience and a platform for sustainable economic advancement.
The Air Chief specially commended the National President of NAFOWA, Mrs Ngozi Aneke, and members of the Executive Council for their vision, dedication and commitment to improving the welfare of the Air Force family.
He noted that their efforts continue to strengthen unity, compassion and mutual support within the service.
He also applauded the partnership with Jenew Homes and other stakeholders whose support made the project possible, stating that enduring achievements are realised through collective responsibility, shared vision and purposeful leadership.
He urged all partners to sustain the spirit of cooperation as the project progresses.
Air Marshal Aneke expressed optimism that the market project would stand as a lasting legacy of empowerment and service to humanity, contributing significantly to improved economic wellbeing and creating sustainable opportunities for generations of beneficiaries.
He further assured NAFOWA of the continued support of the Nigerian Air Force for welfare-driven initiatives.
Earlier, the National President of NAFOWA, Mrs Ngozi Aneke, said, “The association has consistently remained committed to enhancing the welfare and economic wellbeing of its members and society through impactful programmes that promote entrepreneurship, dignity and sustainable development.”
She described the project as another milestone in NAFOWA’s commitment to social and economic empowerment, explaining that the neighbourhood market was conceived as a visionary initiative to promote self-reliance, community development and sustainable economic growth for women, widows, families and entrepreneurs.
Mrs Aneke noted that the project, undertaken in partnership with Jenew Homes, aligns with one of the key objectives of the current administration, which is the empowerment and welfare of Nigerian Air Force widows.
She revealed that special consideration has been made to enable widows access to shops within the market at subsidised and affordable rates to support viable business ownership and economic independence.
Also speaking, the General Manager, Construction, Jenew Homes, Ademeso Sola, highlighted the scope of the project and construction plans, noting that the development covers about 40,000 square metres.
He assured stakeholders of the company’s commitment to delivering a functional and modern facility that would serve as a vibrant hub of commerce, empowerment and sustainable prosperity for the Nigerian Air Force community.
