NADCEL 2025: NAOWA Offers Humanitarian Support For 120 Widows Of Fallen Soldiers
The Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) has offered humanitarian support for 120 widows of soldiers who died in the defence of the nation.
The special humanitarian outreach, held in Kaduna, was organised by NAOWA as part of activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025.
The NAOWA President, Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede said that the widows were d<span;>rawn from various units under the 1 Division, Nigerian Army Area of Responsibility.
“These 120 women represent courage, strength, and dignity. They remind us of the sacrifices made by our gallant soldiers and the families they left behind. This outreach reflects NAOWA’s unwavering commitment to their welfare,” she said.
The NAOWA president, who was represented by her deputy, Mrs Bilkisu Ibrahim, said that the humanitarian intervention to the widows was in line with the NADCEL 2025 theme: ‘Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for the Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive’.
“NAOWA remains focused on the human element—the soldier and the family that supports them,” she said, adding that the association is deeply committed to building a more compassionate, inclusive, and resilient barracks community where no widow is left behind.”
Mrs Oluyede said this is rooted in her inspiring vision of enhancing humanity through a steadfast commitment to unity, service, and the preservation of enduring legacies.
“Through outreach efforts like this, we honour the memory of our heroes and strengthen the Nigerian Army’s transformation drive by showing their families that they are never alone. To our dear widows: we see your pain, your strength, and your courage. This modest gesture carries with it our love, gratitude, and enduring promise to walk beside you—today and always,” the NAOWA president added.
She urged the widows to accept the packages as symbols of the association’s care and support.
“May these items bring comfort to your homes and remind you that NAOWA stands with you. I also extend sincere appreciation to all NAOWA and NASWA members who continue to uphold the home-front with strength and grace.
“Your dedication sustains the unity and stability of our military community. As we mark NADCEL 2025, may this outreach renew our shared commitment to serve, support, and uplift one another,” Mrs Oluyede said.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairperson, NAOWA 1 Division Chapter, MRS Ada Lander Saraso, said the humanitarian intervention led by NAOWA president “is not only encouraging but a true testament to her unwavering commitment to the welfare of women, widows, and families of our departed soldiers”.
T”To our dear widows, the strong and courageous women whose husbands paid the supreme price in service to our nation today is about you. We are gathered here to reaffirm our love, our support, and our enduring commitment to stand by you.
“You remain a cherished part of the Nigerian Army family, and this outreach is a small token to let you know that you are not alone.We recognize your strength, we honour your pain, and we deeply appreciate the sacrifices you have made alongside your spouses. Your resilience inspires us, and we pray that God continues to comfort and uplift you and your children,” Mrs Saraso added.
The Syndicate reports that the NAOWA president also visited wounded soldiers receiving treatment at the 44 Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, and offered them some support items to aid their recovery.
