By Vicky Attah, Correspondent
The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General WB Idris, has praised the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) for its humanitarian and empowerment initiatives, pledging the continued support of the Theatre Command for programmes that improve the welfare of military families.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Idris gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving the Chairperson of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) 8 Division Chapter, Mrs. Chinelo Koughna, and members of her delegation during a courtesy visit to the Theatre Headquarters.
He said the association’s interventions have continued to make a positive impact on the lives of military families, barracks communities and other vulnerable groups, stressing that a stable home front is essential to the morale and operational effectiveness of troops.
According to him, soldiers are able to carry out their duties with greater confidence when they know their families are adequately cared for.
The theatre commander commended NAOWA for promoting self-reliance through empowerment programmes for spouses and youths in barracks communities and assured the delegation of sustained collaboration to expand the reach and impact of the association’s initiatives.
Earlier, Mrs. Koughna thanked the Theatre Commander for the warm reception and commended his leadership of troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, describing his commitment to personnel welfare and security operations in the North-West as commendable.
She explained that NAOWA, a non-governmental and non-profit humanitarian organisation, is dedicated to empowering women, youths and children through education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, charity and community service.
Koughna said the association’s programmes align with the vision of the National President of NAOWA, Dr. Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, whose vision focuses on promoting self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
She said that the NAOWA 8 Division Chapter has empowered hundreds of women and youths through training in fashion design, hairdressing, catering, shoe and bag making, digital skills and other entrepreneurial ventures.
The chairperson added that the association has consistently supported the wives of fallen soldiers with food items, relief materials and start-up capital to help them establish small businesses and achieve financial independence.
She also highlighted NAOWA’s humanitarian outreach, which includes visits to hospitals within and outside military barracks, donations of medical equipment and relief materials, and collaboration with stakeholders to address the welfare needs of barracks communities.
The visit wrapped up with the presentation of souvenirs, the signing of the visitors’ book, a group photograph and a tour of the Wall of Heroes, a monument bearing the names of personnel of Operation FANSAN YAMMA who have made the ultimate sacrifice since the operation was established in 2024.
