The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander (LCC), Joint Task Force (JTF), South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS), Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah has affirmed his commitment to continually support the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 6 Division Chapter. He affirmed his support to the Association when the Chairperson, NAOWA, 6 Division Chapter, Mrs Manfon Ejim-Emekah, paid him a maiden visit at the Division’s Headquarters in Port Harcourt Barracks on Tuesday, 28 January 2025.

The GOC thanked the Chairperson and her members for the visit and maintained that support for NAOWA was necessary to enhance the welfare of personnel and their families. He recognized the crucial role that NAOWA plays in bolstering the home front, stating that officer’s career progression is often reflected in the well-being of their family. He further noted that a stable and supportive home environment positively impacts the efficiency of both officers and soldiers in their operational roles.

Major General Emekah reassured the Association of his intent to collaborate on key areas, especially those concerning the improvement of infrastructure and transportation within the barracks. He stated that this initiative aligns with the philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede NAM. He hinted at plans to introduce tricycles, known as “Keke NAPEP”, to facilitate the movement of personnel, their families, and essential goods and services within the barracks. He expressed a commitment to addressing these challenges comprehensively with the help of relevant stakeholders.

He also promised to continue to engage NAOWA as a strategic partner in welfare initiatives and encouraged the Association to clearly outline their priorities for effective implementation. He assured that under his leadership, there would be a focus on maintaining existing standards and making meaningful improvements.

The GOC used the medium to eulogize the immediate past GOC, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, for his remarkable achievements in the Division. He maintained that posterity would be kind to him for how he significantly impacted the lives of troops and their families in Port Harcourt Barracks. He also used the opportunity to express his appreciation to the immediate past Chairperson, NAOWA, Mrs Maryam Abdussalam, for all the people-oriented projects she has initiated and executed in the Barracks.

Earlier, the Chairperson, NAOWA, Mrs Manfon Ejim-Emekah, congratulated the GOC on his recent appointment and affirmed the Association’s commitment to continue to play their supportive roles to improve the welfare of families in the barracks. She further highlighted some key challenges that needed the attention of the GOC.

These include improving the state of the existing infrastructures and having a robust transportation system that would ease the movement of inhabitants of the Barracks and ensure free movement of goods and services. Mrs Emekah expressed optimism that the Division’s support in this regard would perfectly align with the vision of the President, NAOWA, Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede and the ideals for which NAOWA was established. She reassured the GOC of the Association’s support for the Division

The Chairperson and her members also visited the 6 Division Garrison. She intimated the Commander, Brigadier General Sani Ahmed of the Association’s projections and possible areas of collaboration. The Commander thanked NAOWA, 6 Division Chapter for the visit and promised continued cooperation and support.
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The visits ended with a commitment to continued collaboration between the Division and NAOWA in enhancing the living conditions of families in Port Harcourt Barracks. There was also the signing of the visitor’s book, the exchange of souvenirs and the group photograph.