The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) has significantly expanded its humanitarian and family welfare initiatives, aimed at bolstering support for military personnel, widows, women, and children through educational, healthcare, and social empowerment programs, in conjunction with the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Liaison Officer of NAOWA, Captain Jemila Jimoh, the humanitarian outreach was spearheaded by the President of NAOWA, Dr Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, across various military formations and NAOWA institutions in Port Harcourt, thereby reinforcing the Association’s commitment to enhancing the Nigerian Army’s welfare agenda for military families.
Dr Shaibu was accompanied by the wife of the Commander of the Namibian Army, Wing Commander Martha Lumba Nambahu, whose involvement underscored the increasing Engagement among regional military families during the NADCEL 2026 activities.
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Both leaders were warmly welcomed by members of the military community, pupils, students, and well-wishers, who showcased cultural performances celebrating Nigeria’s rich heritage.
The outreach initiative commenced with visits to the NAOWA Nursery and Primary School and NAOWA College in Port Harcourt.
During these visits, the NAOWA President commended the school administrators, teachers, and staff for their dedication to sustaining quality education and instilling strong moral values among children within the military community and the larger society.
In acknowledgement of their invaluable contributions, Dr Shaibu presented cash awards and welfare support to both teaching and non-teaching staff, illustrating her recognition of educators as essential partners in fostering the intellectual development, character, and leadership qualities of future generations.
The humanitarian program proceeded to the 29 Battalion, where she addressed members of the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA), encouraging them to maintain peaceful and supportive family environments. Dr Shaibu emphasised the importance of stable homes for troop morale, operational effectiveness, and the successful execution of the Nigerian Army’s constitutional responsibilities.
Additionally, Dr Shaibu met with widows of fallen soldiers, honoring the sacrifices made by their late husbands while reaffirming NAOWA’s commitment to providing ongoing support through empowerment and assistance programs.
The outreach concluded at the Military Hospital in Port Harcourt, where the NAOWA President visited women and children receiving medical treatment.
She engaged with patients, offering words of encouragement, and presented relief materials to aid their treatment and recovery.
The Association asserts that these engagements reflect its sustained focus on quality education, healthcare support, women’s empowerment, and family welfare initiatives designed to strengthen military households, enhance the well-being of widows and vulnerable families, and complement the Nigerian Army’s broader personnel welfare objectives.
