By Augustine Ehikioya
For its sustained contributions to home front stability and empowerment of children and families of Nigerian Army personnel, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commended the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA).
He gave the commendation on Tuesday, 25 November, 2025, during a courtesy visit by the President NAOWA, Mrs Safiyya Hassan Shaibu and other executive members to the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
The COAS underscored the critical role NAOWA continued to play in ensuring a peaceful and supportive home front, enabling officers and soldiers to discharge their constitutional duties with focus and effectiveness.
He noted the association’s impactful programmes in education, healthcare, community development and entrepreneurship as essential to troop welfare.
The COAS, in a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations, further stated that while officers bear the responsibility of securing the nation, NAOWA remains vital in ensuring they operate with emotional and mental stability necessary for optimal performance.
He emphasised the importance of skills acquisition, digital literacy and awareness on fake news for military families, stressing the growing relevance of technology in national development.
The COAS also appealed for NAOWA’s continued support in enhancing the effectiveness of the Army Command and NAOWA Hospital and encouraged extension of home-front support initiatives to the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA).
Earlier, the President of NAOWA, Mrs Safiyya Hassan Shaibu, congratulated the COAS on his appointment and highlighted her administration’s vision of building a united, innovative and impactful association that promotes self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods for military families.
She revealed that NAOWA’s strategic focus includes empowerment, education, healthcare and welfare through entrepreneurship, digital skills training, and long-term financial sustainability.
She further noted that, a key flagship initiative is the establishment of a NAOWA Innovation Hub equipped with modern facilities, alongside plans to revitalise NAOWA projects across all Army formations.
