NAOWA launches vocational training centre in Abia

Maj.-Gen. Aminu Chinade, the outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army, on Wednesday inaugurated a vocational training centre provided by NAOWA at the 14 Brigade, Ohafia, in Abia.

The centre was built by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) to empower barrack women and youths with skills to earn a living.

Chinade implored the barrack community to take advantage of the training centre and acquire marketable skills that could make them employers of labour.

He commended the good relationship between members of NAOWA and the Nigerian Army Soldiers Wives Association in the barrack, and enjoined them support their husbands at all times.

The GOC used the opportunity to deliver his farewell address to troops in the Brigade, urging them to remain steadfast and resolute in the discharge of their duties.

“The troops of 14 Brigade conducted themselves well during the 2023 General Elections in ensuring peace before, during and after the elections.

“The peaceful conduct of the elections in the face of threats by some criminal elements remains a testament of your professionalism and doggedness throughout the period up till now,” he said.

Chinade, who extended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja’s goodwill message, charged the troops to always remain disciplined, dedicated and committed to their duties.

According to him, discipline is the bedrock of the military, and will not be compromised at any level.

Earlier, the Coordinator of NAOWA, 14 Brigade, Mrs Nneka Adetuyi, said that the idea of having the vocational training centre was borne out of her desire to empower the barrack women and youths.

This, she said, was because of the realisation that many of the personnel’s wives had little or nothing to do, due to the rural location of the barrack.

“That brought about the need for a skill acquisition centre where the women could acquire entrepreneurial skills that will add values to their lives.

“Support their husbands and get the youths productively engaged, thus, reducing vices in the barrack,” she added.

The Commander, 14 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Adegoke Adetuyi, appreciated the GOC for personally inaugurating the centre.

He lauded Chinade for his guidance and purposeful leadership during his tour of duty in the Division.