Abuja: The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) has reiterated its dedication to empowering youths within barracks communities and the nation as a whole. NAOWA President, Mrs. Mernan Oluyede, made this statement at the graduation ceremony of 167 beneficiaries, which included the 2nd batch of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) trainees and the 1st batch of Fashion Design trainees in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the beneficiaries were trained under the NAOWA Youth Empowerment Project at its Institute of Management and Technology (NIMTA) in Abuja. Oluyede, who was represented by her Deputy, Mrs. Bilkisu Ibrahim, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of Nigerian youths. She quoted Nelson Mandela’s famous words on the transformative power of education, emphasizing that the graduates were leaving with ‘knowledge, skills, and confidence.’
The president commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for his steadfast commitment to youth empowerment, which she stated had uplifted families and communities across army barracks. She highlighted that the training in ICT and fashion design aligns with national goals of promoting employment, self-reliance, and innovation in a rapidly changing economy. Oluyede called on the graduates to serve as role models in their communities and inspire others to embrace learning and skill development.
Mrs. Oluyede also praised the facilitators and development partners for their contributions to the success of the program. Meanwhile, the Rector of NIMTA, Lt.-Col. Comfort Adamu, reported that 135 trainees underwent six weeks of intensive ICT training, while 32 completed a 12-week practical-oriented fashion design and tailoring program. Adamu elaborated that the ICT curriculum covered IT essentials, python programming, cyber security, web design, among others, while the fashion design curriculum included sewing, tie and dye, batik, and screen printing.
She mentioned that all 134 ICT graduates and 32 fashion design graduates were children of Master Warrant Officers and below. She also noted that 15 trainees excelled to the point of qualifying for a four-week internship, although one male trainee was withdrawn for indiscipline. The training, sponsored by the NAOWA National President, was targeted at barracks youths, especially those without means to proceed to tertiary institutions.
Earlier, the graduates’ representative, Babangida Luwum, expressed gratitude to NAOWA for its supportive role, describing the program as life-changing. He also extended appreciation to the COAS, the NIMTA management, facilitators, and invited guests for their contributions to the event’s success. The graduation ceremony attracted dignitaries, including representatives of the Presidents of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Services Spouses’ Associations, and several senior army officers, sponsors, and parents.
