NOWA celebrates 60 anniversary celebrates in Abuja

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has commended members of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), for their unwavering support which he said had continued to boost the morale and confidence to carry out their constitutional duties.

The naval chief, who made this known at the NOWA 60th Anniversary Dinner in Abuja, said the successes recorded by the navy were rooted in the assurance that officers’ families were safe and emotionally supported.

The dinner held at the armed forces mess in Abuja, had in attendance military wives, families and sister associations gathered to celebrate what many described as “six decades of resilience, sacrifice and quiet strength.”

He said “Our homes are secure, our children are cared for, and our families stand strong because of you,” he said, praising the association for its “unwavering commitment” to naval families.

The CNS, who paid glowing tribute to the NOWA President, Mrs Aisha Edy Abbas, described her leadership as “visionary and compassionate,” and credited her for strengthening the association’s humanitarian and welfare programmes.

In her address at the dinner, NOWA President, Mrs Aisha Abbas, said the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect, reconnect and recommit to the ideals upon which the association was founded.

“Your devotion has been the heartbeat of NOWA,” she told members, promising expanded empowerment programmes and greater engagement with communities.

She thanked sister organisations for their solidarity and reaffirmed NOWA’s commitment to supporting naval families as the service continues to defend the nation’s maritime domain.

Also speaking, the President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, said NOWA’s 60-year journey was a story of courage, unity and transformational service.

Quoting Maya Angelou, she said, “I come as one, but I stand as ten thousand,” adding that the quote captured the power of collective womanhood that had defined NOWA since inception.

Oluyede said sister associations such as DEPOWA, NAOWA, NAFOWA and POWA would continue to strengthen their partnership with NOWA to uplift military families.

Earlier, NAOWA President, Hajiya Safiyyah Shaibu, commended NOWA for inspiring other women’s associations across the armed forces. She said the solidarity among the groups had become a “vital backbone” for officers on the frontlines.

The event featured music, awards and tributes to pioneer members who laid the foundation for what has grown into one of the military’s most influential women-led support organisations.

Source: The Sun