By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) has called for stronger international partnerships to expand its humanitarian interventions, especially in support of widows, vulnerable families and children with special needs.
The National President of NAFOWA, Mrs Enderline Aneke, made the call on Thursday night when she received leaders of the Global Women Council for Political and Parliamentary Leaders (GWC-PPL), on a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Aneke said the association remained committed to service, compassion and national development, noting that its programmes were designed to address critical social needs across communities.
She highlighted NAFOWA’s flagship projects, including medical outreaches, empowerment schemes for women, support for families of serving and retired personnel, and relief efforts for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
She also drew attention to the association’s Special Needs School along Bill Clinton Drive, which she described as one of NAFOWA’s proudest achievements.
According to her, the school established to provide inclusive education for children living with disabilities has witnessed high demand beyond its current capacity, signalling the need for more such institutions nationwide.
The NAFOWA President also announced plans to introduce a Micro-Grant Start-up Scheme aimed at economically empowering widows of fallen military personnel.
She said many widows face significant challenges after the loss of their spouses, adding that the initiative would help them build sustainable livelihoods.
She expressed optimism that partnerships with global organisations would amplify NAFOWA’s impact, especially through grants, materials, technical input and programme sponsorship.
“Supporting NAFOWA is not just an act of goodwill but a direct investment in human welfare, community stability and national development,” she said.
Aneke thanked the visiting delegation and expressed hope for a fruitful collaboration that would uplift more vulnerable Nigerians.
Earlier, the International President of GWC-PPL, Sen. Uche Ekwunife, commended NAFOWA for its humanitarian activities and the sacrifices of the armed forces in protecting Nigeria.
On the entourage is Prof. Bethany Hall-Long, 26th Lieutenant Governor of Delaware, United Statesin her remarks, Hall-Long said her visit to NAFOWA was inspired by the various developmental projects the association had embarked on in terms of health, and empowerment for spouses of fallen heroes and those still serving.
She said that NAFOWA’s humanitarian activities were worthy of collaboration, adding that she had observed critical sectors that she would be willing to collaborate with NAFOWA.
She said her visit had given her a different perspective about Nigeria, assuring that she would go ahead and be an ambassador of Nigeria to the world that it is peaceful and open for business (NAN)
