The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) remains pivotal in sustaining emotional stability and morale among troops deployed on operations nationwide.
He emphasised that the support provided to military families directly enhances operational focus and strengthens national security readiness.
A statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the Army Chief made these remarks during a courtesy visit by the President of NAOWA, Mrs Safiyya Hassan Shaibu, and her executive members to Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that “while officers and soldiers bear the responsibility of defending the nation, NAOWA plays a strategic role in maintaining internal support systems through education, healthcare, community development, and entrepreneurship programmes.”
“Such interventions are vital in enabling personnel to operate with emotional balance and mental resilience,” he stressed.
The Army Chief further highlighted the need to promote digital literacy, skills acquisition, and awareness about fake news among military families, citing the growing influence of technology on national development.
He appealed for continued NAOWA support in strengthening the Army Command and NAOWA Hospital and encouraged the extension of social support initiatives to the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association.
In her remarks, President NAOWA, Mrs Safiyya Hassan Shaibu, congratulated the chief of army staff on his appointment and reaffirmed her ‘vision for a united, innovative, and sustainable association that empowers families through entrepreneurship, capacity building, and welfare-enhancing initiatives.’
She disclosed plans to establish a NAOWA Innovation Hub equipped with modern tools and to revitalise ongoing projects across Army formations.