NAOWA Empowering Women, Youths, Widows of Fallen Heroes – Theatre Commander Assures Partnership
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Major General WB Idris, has praised the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) for its sustained commitment to improving the welfare of military families, barracks communities and vulnerable members of society through various humanitarian and empowerment programmes.
Major General Idris gave the commendation while receiving the Chairperson of NAOWA 8 Division Chapter, Mrs. Chinelo Koughna, and members of her delegation during a courtesy visit to the Theatre Headquarters on Wednesday.
The Theatre Commander described the association’s initiatives as vital to strengthening the morale of troops, noting that soldiers perform their duties with greater confidence when they are assured that their families are well cared for.
He commended the leadership of the NAOWA 8 Division Chapter for implementing programmes that promote self-reliance among military spouses and youths in barracks communities through skills acquisition and empowerment initiatives.
Major General Idris reaffirmed the Theatre Command’s commitment to supporting NAOWA’s activities, assuring the delegation of continued collaboration to ensure that the association’s interventions positively impact more beneficiaries.
Earlier, the Chairperson of NAOWA 8 Division Chapter, Mrs. Chinelo Koughna, thanked the Theatre Commander for the warm reception and applauded his leadership in coordinating operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA. She also commended his dedication to the welfare of troops and his efforts toward restoring peace and security across the North West.
Mrs. Koughna explained that NAOWA is a non-governmental, non-profit humanitarian organisation committed to empowering women, youths and children through education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, charity and community service. She said the association’s activities align with the vision of the NAOWA National President, Dr. Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, which focuses on promoting self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
According to her, the NAOWA 8 Division Chapter has empowered hundreds of women and youths through vocational training in fashion design, hairdressing, catering, shoe and bag making, digital skills and other entrepreneurial ventures.
She further disclosed that the association has continued to support the wives of fallen heroes through the donation of food items, relief materials and start-up capital to encourage financial independence. She added that NAOWA also conducts humanitarian outreach programmes, including hospital visits, donations of medical equipment and relief materials, as well as sustained engagement with stakeholders to address the welfare needs of barracks communities.
The visit concluded with the presentation of souvenirs, the signing of the visitors’ register, a group photograph, and a visit to the Wall of Heroes, a monument bearing the names of personnel who have paid the supreme sacrifice during Operation FANSAN YAMMA since its establishment in 2024.
