NAOWA President Holds Maiden General Meeting, Unveils Economic Empowerment Blueprint and Strategic Committees for Inclusive and Holistic Development

NAOWA President Holds Maiden General Meeting, Unveils Economic Empowerment Blueprint and Strategic Committees for Inclusive and Holistic Development

The President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs. Mernan Femi Oluyede, has unveiled a bold new agenda focused on economic empowerment, structural reforms, and inclusive, holistic development across the Association.

Mrs Oluyede made the announcement during her maiden NAOWA National General Meeting held on Friday, 30 May 2025, at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites (NACCAS), Asokoro, Abuja.

In her keynote address, the NAOWA President outlined her administration’s vision for a more empowered and coordinated Association. She emphasized that economic empowerment will be a top priority, beginning with the launch of the NAOWA Multipurpose Cooperative Society. This new initiative is designed to offer members structured access to savings, credit facilities, and investment opportunities that promote financial resilience and long-term independence.

To strengthen internal structures, Mrs. Oluyede also announced the formation of key strategic committees, including a Constitution Review Committee, a Fundraising Committee, and a Project Committee, amongst others, tasked with improving governance, driving innovation, and enhancing coordination across all NAOWA chapters nationwide.

She reaffirmed her administration’s guiding vision of “Enhancing Humanity Through a Steadfast Commitment to Unity, Service, and the Preservation of Enduring Legacies,” stressing that progress will be anchored on continuity, innovation, and inclusivity.

In a heartfelt moment, the NAOWA President paid tribute to her immediate predecessor, Mrs. Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja, applauding her for raising the bar in transformational leadership. She lauded Mrs. Lagbaja’s legacy of impactful projects — including the modernized NAOWA National Secretariat, remodeled NAOWA Events Centre, upgraded Guest House, and Recreational Park — which will continue to serve members for generations.

Key highlights of the General Meeting Included a presentation on the cooperative society by Major Dorcas Onuwa Ekpenisi, a special lecture on drug abuse and arms-related offences by Mrs. Halima Yusuf Yahaya and Mrs. Rashida Lawal, a session on NAOWA hierarchy by Mrs. Silvia Akpor and an interactive Question and Answer session, presentation of souvenirs, and group photograph session.