From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has commended members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) for their exceptional efforts in maintaining the home front while their spouses are away on military duties.
This comes as the COAS has called on the new leadership of the association to build on existing foundations of unity and create a more inclusive association.
The COAS made the call when members of NAOWA, led by its president, Mrs Mernan Oluyede and her executives, visited him at the Army Headquarters in Abuja. The Army Chief, who extolled NAOWA’s role in promoting unity and charity within the Nigerian Army community and beyond, noted the importance of harmonious working relations among all its members.
The COAS commended NAOWA’s support to Mrs Mariya Lagbaja during the difficult period following the passing of the late COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, and urged them to strengthen the bond. Lt Gen Oluyede assured the association of his unflinching support towards the achievement of their organisational goals and agenda.
In her address, the NAOWA president, Mrs Mernan Oluyede, who congratulated the COAS on his confirmation as the 24th Chief of Army Staff, acknowledged the Nigerian Army’s role in NAOWA’s successes. She stated that her vision for NAOWA is focused on uniting the association while building on the legacies of her predecessors.
Mrs Oluyede unveiled her mission statement as “Enhancing humanity through a steadfast commitment to unity, service and preservation of enduring legacies,” adding that the organisation will also focus on fostering bonds among members of NAOWA while being dedicated to its mission through humanitarian initiatives and unwavering support for military families.
The NAOWA president stated that the organisation strives to inspire quality living standards for its members, ensure measurable growth in community impact, and create a legacy of empowerment and service for generations to come.
Mrs Oluyede called for continued support from the Nigerian Army to achieve NAOWA’s aims and objectives, and reiterated the association’s commitment to the Army, praying for sustained security and stability at the home front and in the country.