The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that empower military families and promote peace and development nationwide, Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede declared yesterday in Abuja.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the Second Batch of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) trainees and the First Batch of Fashion Design and Tailoring trainees, Oluyede emphasized the Army’s dedication to equipping youths with practical skills for sustainable livelihoods.

The trainees, beneficiaries of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) Youth Empowerment Project, received their training at the NAOWA Institute of Management and Technology (NIMTA). Lt.-Gen. Oluyede was represented at the event by Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, Chief of Civil–Military Affairs, Nigerian Army.

Highlighting the alignment of the programme with national priorities on youth development, the Chief of Army Staff noted that it provides young people, especially those from barracks communities, with market-ready skills, renewed confidence, and a strong sense of purpose.

He praised the leadership of NAOWA president, Mrs. Mernan Oluyede, for sustaining and expanding the initiative, describing it as a bold and visionary effort. The graduates were also commended for their discipline and dedication, with a call to use their acquired skills not only for personal growth but also to motivate and uplift others.

“The NAOWA Youth Empowerment Project equips our youths to become self-reliant, productive citizens who contribute positively to society. Their success shows that with vision and opportunity, greatness can emerge from humble beginnings,” Lt.-Gen. Oluyede said.

He added that the Nigerian Army will continue to foster strategic partnerships that empower the next generation—not only with weapons, but with knowledge, creativity, and tools for lasting progress.

Mrs. Oghogho Musa, president of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), echoed the importance of sustaining initiatives that equip women and youths from military families with relevant skills to thrive in Nigeria’s dynamic economy. Represented by DEPOWA’s deputy president, Mrs. Olubuloka Olatunde, Musa acknowledged the graduates’ commitment and resilience in completing the intensive programmes.

According to Musa, ICT training positions beneficiaries to participate actively in Nigeria’s growing tech sector, while fashion design opens avenues within the expanding creative industry. She commended NAOWA’s dedication to bridging critical gaps in digital and creative skills, emphasizing the initiative’s role in fostering economic independence.

Musa also lauded the trainers and project leaders for their efforts in shaping the graduates into skilled professionals. She encouraged the beneficiaries to continue learning, innovate, and uphold integrity in their future endeavors.

Urging them to leverage their new skills to inspire others and contribute to community development, Musa emphasized that the empowerment project forms part of a larger strategy to promote self-reliance, resilience, and social stability within military communities.

A total of 167 trainees successfully completed the programmes, with 134 graduating from the six-week ICT course and 32 from the 12-week Fashion Design and Tailoring course at the NAOWA training institute.

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