LAGOS/Nigeria: The Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening the welfare of naval families, underscoring their critical role in sustaining morale and cohesion within the Nigerian Navy.
President of the association, Mrs Aisha Abbas, made this known on Thursday during a familiarisation visit and groundbreaking ceremony of the Nigerian Navy Officers’ Mess and Boat Club at the Western Naval Command in Lagos, where she emphasised the importance of a strong support system for personnel.
Aisha, who is the wife of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said NOWA remains focused on building a network that promotes comradeship, welfare and resilience among naval families.
She commended officers and personnel of the command for their sacrifices in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, noting that their dedication continues to inspire the association’s interventions in welfare and community support.
“It is our sincere hope that NOWA can contribute to the well-being of our naval community in a meaningful and impactful manner,” she said.
The NOWA president also appreciated the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, for the reception accorded her delegation, describing the relationship between the command and the association as mutually beneficial.
She noted that the visit was aimed at strengthening existing ties and acknowledging the command’s support for NOWA’s programmes, while also calling for continued collaboration to enhance the association’s impact.
Aisha explained that NOWA, as a non-governmental and non-profit organisation, operates within limited resources and relies on partnerships and goodwill to deliver on its mandate.
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Mustapha described NOWA as a vital pillar in the Navy’s operational framework, noting that stability on the home front significantly influences effectiveness at sea.
He said the association’s interventions in education, healthcare and empowerment have helped bridge critical gaps for naval families, thereby enhancing overall performance across units.
“We are thankful for the sacrifices you make because we go out for long months and stay away from our families while you hold the home front,” he said.
Mustapha added that the command would continue to align its activities with those of NOWA to improve operational efficiency and deepen institutional support for naval families.
He further reaffirmed the command’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime environment and protecting critical national assets in line with the strategic direction of the Navy.
As part of the visit, the NOWA delegation also toured the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft, where the Commanding Officer, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, expressed appreciation, noting that the visit would boost morale among personnel.
