Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives’ Association (NAOWA).
According to Director Army Public Relations Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, this pledge was made as NAOWA celebrated Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja’s one-year anniversary as its National President. The ceremony, themed “Journey So Far: Next Level,” took place on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1 in Asokoro, Abuja.
In his address, General Lagbaja, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, commended the achievements of NAOWA under Mrs. Lagbaja’s leadership. He praised her for providing impactful and purposeful direction, highlighting the association’s humanitarian efforts and the provision of modern facilities, which have significantly improved living standards within barracks and neighboring communities.
“Her untiring efforts, doggedness, and commitment, especially through humanitarian interventions, have greatly enhanced the lives of our members and the communities,” said General Lagbaja. He further described Mrs. Lagbaja as a perfectionist dedicated to breaking barriers and achieving her goals.
As NAOWA embarks on its second year under Mrs. Lagbaja’s leadership, the COAS challenged the association to expand its activities in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Soldiers Wives’ Association (NASWA) to increase participation. He assured that Army Headquarters would continue to support NAOWA in achieving its goals and collaborate more closely with both associations.
Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja, in her address, expressed gratitude to God, NAOWA members, and supporters for their cooperation over the past year. She highlighted the association’s achievements and outlined future plans, noting the commissioning of several projects, including a modernized national secretariat, an ultra-modern event center, and a recreational park.
“The celebration marks our remarkable journey together and sets a progressive course for the future,” said Mrs. Lagbaja. She acknowledged the hard work and dedication of NAOWA members, emphasizing their role in the association’s successes.
Mrs. Lagbaja also expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her guidance and unwavering support. She praised the First Lady’s commitment to the well-being of military families, women, and children across the nation.
The event was attended by dignitaries from various sectors, Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters, NAOWA and NASWA members, and staff and students of NAOWA Schools in Abuja. Highlights included the launch of the NAOWA President’s “Next Level Transformation Initiative” and the cutting of the one-year anniversary cake.
