NDA Commandant Lauds NDAOWA’s Support For Widows, Orphans
The Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Major General Abdul Ibrahim, has lauded the Academy’s Officers’ Wives Association (NDAOWA) for its support for widows, orphans and other humanitarian services.
A statement issued by the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Major Mohammed Maidawa on Friday in Kaduna, said the Commandant also hailed the association for its invaluable service to not just the barracks community, but also civilians around the school.
He noted the purposeful leadership being offered by the President of NDAOWA, Mrs Halimatu Ibrahim, saying they have touched lives in so many ways.
General Abdul who received officials of the association who paid him a courtesy visit at the NDA in Afaka, Kaduna, described her leadership as exemplary, noting that her tenure has significantly elevated the association’s profile and outreach.
The Commandant pledged unwavering support to the association in human capital and infrastructural development, targeted at improving lives of the Academy’s community.
Earlier, the NDAOWA President congratulated Major General Ibrahim on his appointment as the 33rd Commandant of the NDA.
She outlined her vision to deliver impactful programmes with a focus on education, youth empowerment, character building, and physical fitness.
Mrs Ibrahim highlighted the importance of nurturing strong and resilient families within the barracks community, and aadvocated for the provision of a school bus to ease transportation problems for students within the Academy.
The NDAOWA President urged the Commandant to introduce discounted healthcare scheme for widows, and employment opportunities for NDAOWA members.
She also called for the revival of the Mammy Market at Afaka to stimulate economic activities, and the reopening of the NDA skills acquisition centre to provide lifelong skills to women and youths in the Academy and the host communities.
Mrs Ibrahim also appealed for institutional sponsorship to enable members of the association to attend conferences and seminars, to enhance their capacity in community development and leadership.
She listed some of her achievements to include participation in the recently concluded Africa Economic Summit, launch of NDAOWA’s official social media page to boost visibility; and the award of a scholarship to an orphan, Master Adamu, who lost his entire family in a tragic road accident.
She also listed the group’s recent outreach to wounded soldiers at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, as a gesture of appreciation for their sacrifice and services.
The NDAOWA President told the Commandant that they plan to hold an arts and crafts programmes for children during the holidays, in partnership with Creatives Park, hold a seminar on sex education and personal health for female cadets, and series of leadership, resilience, and community-building training workshops for women.
“We reaffirm our unwavering loyalty and commitment to the NDA and pledge NDAOWA’s continued support in building a stronger, more inclusive military community,” she said.
