Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, affirms that the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) has given visibility to the Nigerian Army through its educational and social intervention programmes in barracks and civilian communities.
The COAS made the revelation while playing host to the leadership of NAOWA led by the President, Mrs Mariya Lagbaja, on Monday in Abuja.
He said that the association had also contributed immensely to the infrastructural development and the health and educational needs of barracks children.
“I also want to thank you for being the symbol of peace, unity and service in our barracks. Thank you for keeping the Home front stable while your spouse is deployed in a far away location, keeping peace.
“Thank you for the energy of the home front, for giving your spouses the peace of mind to be engaged in national service without thinking too much about what is happening back home,” he asserted.
Lagbaja assured that the army would continue to support NAOWA in the conduct of its activities, including the remodeling of its National Secretariat and Event Center.
He urged NAOWA to work closely with the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA) in various barracks to give them the needed support while their husbands are on national service.
“I want to reassure you that the Army Headquarters will continue to provide the needed support to NAOWA, because we see you as a symbol of support and a loyal partner.
“We will continue to offer interventions and support wherever you need one,” he added.
In her remarks, the President of NAOWA, Mrs Lagbaja said the visit was to congratulate the COAS and also register their appreciation to the Nigerian army for being the major sponsor of NAOWA activities.
She said the many successes recorded by NAOWA over the years were achieved through their unwavering support.
Mrs Lagbaja assured the army chief and his principal staff officers of their loyalty and support, through prayers and keeping the home front while their husbands discharged their national assignments.
She said they would sustain the legacies of past leaders through continuous improvement of NAOWA facilities, assets and institutions.
