By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Army staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended the wives of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their support to their husbands and the humanitarian services rendered to the society.
Lagbaja gave the commendation at the First Anniversary celebration of his wife, Maria Lagbaja, as the 21st President of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), on Saturday in Abuja.
The theme of the celebration is “Journey So Far: Next Level”.
According to Lagbaja, it is said that behind every successful man, there is a good woman, saying the adage rings true for them in the Nigerian Army, where their women have been the bedrock of their successes, providing unwavering support and strength.
He said his wife and NAOWA president had been leading the wives of army personnel and had been doing so much in support of him in the last one year, adding that he had always been away to units and formations across the country.
According to him, his travel log as of Friday revealed that he had been in the air for about 40 hours and on the road, travelling around formations and units of the Nigerian army for about 200 hours.
“In my travels, I have met with strong, industrious, and supportive NAOWA and NASWA members who have undoubtedly supported their spouses.
“Many of our women have evolved into strong decision-makers running the home front effectively while the spouses are in the frontlines, on courses, and even lost in the rhythm of our busy peacetime rear units.
“I must confess that NAOWA has been hugely instrumental to the NA’s successes this past year.
“I thank my dear wife, the President of NAOWA, for her leadership and inspiration.
“We have come together today to celebrate my wife’s one year of purposeful and impactful leadership of NAOWA and mentoring of NASWA.
“The transformation the association has witnessed in one year of her leadership is truly remarkable,” he said.
Lagbaja expressed confidence that NOAWA under his wife’s leadership would continue to undertake impactful projects in the second year of her administration.
He challenged the association to expand its activities in close concert with the Nigerian Army Soldiers Wives Association (NASWA) to accommodate wider participation on the barracks women.
He assured NAOWA of Army Headquarters’ support to achieve more going forward, having realised the enormous benefits of both NAOWA and NASWA.
The President of NAOWA, Mrs Lagbaja, in her remarks, thanked members, for their constant support and cooperation, which enabled the association to achieve its goals within the past year.
She said the event provided an avenue for them to to reflect on the remarkable journey they had undertaken together, and to plan a progressive course for the future.
According to her, it is a moment to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of every NAOWA member, whose unwavering support has been the backbone of my success.
Mrs Lagbaja said that the association had embarked on numerous outreaches, programmes, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of its members, uplifting the barracks communities, and supporting the humanitarian efforts of the Nigerian army.
“I have also commissioned several projects initiated by some NAOWA Chairpersons which effectively demonstrates that NAOWA presiding members at all levels have fully embraced and keyed into my vision of “Sustaining Legacies Through Unwavering Commitment to Unity and Service for the Betterment of Humanity.”
“This vision remains unconditional, and I am committed to ensuring that NAOWA continues to uphold a great reputation in the public eye.
“I am also dedicated to sustaining our association’s legacies by upgrading and improving upon our assets and institutions.
“I therefore urge you all to sustain these efforts,” she added.
NAOWA President said that key projects, such as the modernised NAOWA National Secretariat, remodeled events centre, guest house, and a recreational park would soon be inaugurated.
These projects, according to her, are a testament to their collective efforts in creating lasting and meaningful impact within our communities.
“Today’s celebration is not just a reflection of our achievements but also a platform to inspire us to greater heights.
“Together, we shall continue to build on this foundation, driven by our shared vision of unity, service, and empowerment, in line with my vision,” she added.
A special highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of her ‘Next Level Transformative Initiative’ for all NAOWA members.
The initiative, according to her, aims to further empower and uplift NAOWA members, providing new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
She said the project was also a demonstration of her commitment to the continuous improvement of NAOWA and the betterment of their community.
Mrs Lagbaja thanked the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for providing them the needed support and directions as well as her husband for his unwavering support to the association.
(NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA)