By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), has expanded access to quality education for military families through new schools, infrastructure upgrades and teacher development programmes.
President of the association, Dr Safiyyah Shaibu disclosed this at the 2026 NAOWA National Executive Meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
Shaibu while revieweding achievements recorded since assuming office as the association’s 25th president, said NAOWA had sustained investments in education.
She said the association had done this by improving facilities across its schools, renovating and furnishing facilities at NAOWA College, Asokoro, Abuja, and remodelling the NAOWA Modern Primary School in Jos.
According to her, the association has also inaugurated new schools in Zaria, Badagry and at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks, Abuja.
She added that construction of primary and secondary schools had commenced at Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks to provide a complete educational system for children of military personnel and neighbouring communities.
Shaibu also said that the association recently organised the 2026 NAOWA 21st Century Teacher Transformation Training to equip teachers with modern teaching methods, digital skills and learner-centred instructional approaches.
She disclosed that plans were underway to establish a NAOWA Tech Hub at Mambilla Barrack to provide digital and entrepreneurial skills for youths, women and members of surrounding communities.
The NAOWA president further said that the association had trained 394 youths in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and fashion design under its Youth Empowerment Project.
She revealed that more than 15,000 palliatives had been distributed to members, widows of fallen heroes, mosques and churches, while welfare support was extended to elderly persons and people living with disabilities through partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Shaibu also said that NAOWA established the Delight Bakery and Stitches and Design Centre to promote skills acquisition, job creation and income generation, with widows receiving priority for bakery training.
In the area of healthcare, she said that the association had provided interventions including upgrading the Accident and Emergency Ward of the Military Hospital, Ikoyi.
“The association also donated medical equipment to the Medical Reception Station of 243 Battalion, Badagry, as well as conducted medical outreach during the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
“The association strengthened health awareness through World Cancer Day activities and introduced a quarterly sports and fitness programme,” she said.
The NAOWA president further said that the association expanded leadership development through the Made-in-NAOWA Intentional Leadership Workshop and strengthened international partnerships through engagements in the United Kingdom and the African Women’s Summit in Zanzibar.
She urged members to remain united and committed to strengthening the association, saying its programmes would continue to empower military families through education, welfare and sustainable livelihoods.(NAN)
