It was a colourful and memorable ceremony on Saturday as Mrs Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu officially assumed office as the 25th President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), succeeding Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede after a remarkable and impactful tenure.
In a statement, Liaison Officer, Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) National Secretariat, AbujaMajor Ayobami Oni-Orisan said the formal handing-and-taking-over ceremony, held at the NAOWA National Secretariat in Asokoro, Abuja, drew dignitaries, NAOWA officials, and members from across the country.
In her valedictory address, the outgoing President, Mrs Oluyede, expressed deep gratitude to Almighty God for His guidance and to her husband, General OO Oluyede AFM NAM, for his steadfast support throughout her leadership. She commended NAOWA members for their unity and commitment, reflecting on her vision of “Enhancing Humanity Through a Steadfast Commitment to Unity, Service, and Preservation of Enduring Legacies.”
Mrs Oluyede outlined notable achievements during her administration, including strengthened institutional frameworks, sustainable humanitarian programmes, and women empowerment initiatives. She urged members to sustain the culture of service and collaboration, pledging continued advocacy for military families in her new role as President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
In her acceptance speech, Mrs Shaibu expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve and paid glowing tribute to her predecessor for her exemplary leadership. She pledged to build on the achievements of past administrations and to further NAOWA’s mission of promoting welfare, empowerment, and unity among Nigerian Army families.
“Your leadership has been exemplary, and we remain grateful for your dedication and service to NAOWA. You have laid a strong foundation, and I am committed to building upon it with sincerity, vision, and dedication,” Mrs Shaibu stated.
The event was attended by the outgoing Deputy President of NAOWA, Mrs Bilkisu Ibrahim; wives of Principal Staff Officers at the Army Headquarters; wives of Corps Commanders; NAOWA Chairpersons and Coordinators; members of the 39 Regular Course Angels and 41 Regular Course Rubies; and heads of various NAOWA establishments.
Highlights of the ceremony included the signing of the official handover notes, presentation of the NAOWA flag, and a group photograph session.
Mrs Shaibu, a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Forensic Accountant currently pursuing a PhD in Public Administration, brings extensive experience and a record of community service to her new role. Having previously served in key NAOWA leadership positions in Monguno, Bama, and Maiduguri, she is widely respected for her compassion, inclusiveness, and commitment to women and youth empowerment.
Her leadership is expected to further strengthen NAOWA’s legacy of service, unity, and transformational impact in support of Nigerian Army families and communities nationwide.
