The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has pledged to sustain Nigerian Army’s support to the Nigerian Army Officers Wives’ Association (NAOWA), as the association celebrates Mrs Mariya Lagbaja’s one-year anniversary of selfless service to humanity, as the National President of the Association. Gen Lagbaja gave the assurance on Saturday, 22 June 2024, at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja, during a brief ceremony to mark the anniversary themed, “Journey So Far: Next Level”.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), who was also the Special Guest of Honour reflected on the association’s achievements over the past year and saluted the NAOWA President for providing purposeful and impactful leadership to the organization in the past one year since her assumption of office. 

He added, that the untiring efforts, doggedness, and commitment of NAOWA, especially with the humanitarian interventions, provision of modern structures and cutting-edge facilities have improved the living standards of members, as well as Barracks and neighbouring communities.

 Appreciating the leadership of NAOWA, the Army Chief lauded the National President for exceptional ability to shoulder enormous responsibilities, describing her as a ‘perfectionist who pushes herself beyond her limit to break barriers and attain her objectives’.

As the association enters its second year under the current dispensation, the COAS challenged the association to expand the frontiers of its activities in close concert with the Nigerian Army Soldiers Wives’ Association (NASWA) to accommodate wider participation by the women.

The COAS assured NAOWA of Army Headquarters’ support in achieving her goals, even more than it was able to accomplish in the past year. Emphasizing the enormous benefits of NAOWA and NASWA, the COAS declared that the AHQ will collaborate more closely with both associations to realize the sound administration beam of his Command Philosophy and its associated pillars of welfare and support to the home front. 

Earlier in her address, the President, Nigerian Army Officers Wives’ Association, Mrs Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja expressed gratitude to God and all NAOWA members for their support and cooperation, which she maintained, enabled the association achieve her goals in the past year.  

The President remarked that the celebration marks the remarkable journey the association has undertaken together and plans for a progressive course for the future. She averred that it is also a moment to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of every NAOWA member, whose unwavering support has been a backbone to the  modest but remarkable successes so far made by NAOWA.

Reminiscing on the past year, Mrs Lagbaja expressed appreciation for the collective achievements accomplished by NAOWA, pointing out, that over the past 12 months, the association has embarked on numerous humanitarian activities and initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of its members, neighbouring communities and supporting the humanitarian efforts of the Nigerian Army.

She disclosed that NAOWA has also commissioned several projects initiated by NAOWA Chairpersons and Coordinators across the country. This, she noted, effectively demonstrates that NAOWA leaders at all levels, fully embrace her vision of sustaining legacies through unwavering commitment to unity and service for the betterment of humanity.

She informed that NAOWA will soon commission some of her transformation projects, including the modernized national secretariat, an Ultra-modern Event centre and a Recreational park. Mrs Lagbaja described the projects as testaments to NAOWA’s collective effort in creating lasting and meaningful impact within the society.

The NAOWA President expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her guidance, unflinching support and encouragement to NAOWA,  which she stressed, have immensely contributed to NAOWAS’ success. She also extolled the first lady for her commitment to the wellbeing of military families, women, and children across the nation. Mrs Lagbaja also expressed gratitude to the COAS and all personnel of the NA for their selflessness and support to NAOWA.

The event was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, dignitaries from various sectors of the society, Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters, members of NAOWA and NASWA as well as staff and students of NAOWA Schools in Abuja.   

Highlights of the ceremony were the official launching of NAOWA President’s “Next Level Transformation Initiative,” and cutting of the one-year anniversary cake.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU 

Major General 

Director Army Public Relations