‘Make your homes stable’

Representative of the President of NAOWA, Mrs Hindatu Audu (m), Chief of Army Transformation and Innovation, Maj. Gen. Peter Okoye, Chairperson of NAOWA 6 Div, Engr. Jane Okoro, other senior officers, members of NAOWA and soldiers children at the maiden enlightenment programme for spouses of troops on their role in mission success held in Port Harcourt. Photo: Dennis Naku

The wife of the Chief of Army Staff, Safiyyah Shaibu, has charged wives of personnel of the Nigerian Army to ensure stability in their homes.

Mrs Shaibu said such stability has the potential to boost the morale of troops in operations wherever they find themselves while offering service to the country.

She gave the charge at the maiden sensitisation programme for spouses and children of personnel on Nigerian Army operations and their roles in mission success, organised by the Army Headquarters at the 6 Division, Nigerian Army Barracks in Port Harcourt.

The event was organised by the Army Department of Transformation and Innovation.

Represented by the wife of Major General Saidu Tanko Audu, Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force, Mrs. Hindatu Audu said the programme was designed to foster a better understanding of army activities, strengthen the bond between the force and its families, and build resilience for unwavering support to loved ones in uniform.

The President of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association explained that contemporary security challenges demand not only a highly professional and resilient force, but also strong, informed, and supportive families.

She emphasized that spouses need to be properly enlightened to guarantee the needed support for their husbands at different battlefields.

“Operational demands, prolonged employment, and the unique nature of military life test the endurance of both troops and their families.

“In line with the Nigerian Army’s commitment to resolving security challenges, the family remains an indispensable partner in sustaining morale, cohesion, and operational effectiveness.

“For our families to sustain this support, they must be properly enlightened about the Army’s activities. Families need to properly understand the reasons behind deployments, the demands of service life, and the welfare and support structures available to them.

“We cannot achieve lasting operational success if the home front is left uninformed or unsupported.”

She further said that with proper knowledge and mutual understanding, families can transition from uncertainty to confidence and from anxiety to strength, noting that the Nigerian Army places high value on the well-being of troops’ families.

Mrs. Shaibu reiterated NAOWA’s commitment to strengthening the families of troops to be economically viable and self-reliant.

According to her, “Strong family support systems enhance unit cohesion and contribute directly to combat readiness.”

“This commitment aligns closely with the vision of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, which is to have a united and innovative NAOWA that will empower military families to achieve self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.”

“This vision underscores our determination to build strong, resilient, and economically empowered families who can confidently support the demands of military service through initiatives that promote unity, innovation, self-reliance, and sustainable livelihoods.”

NAOWA, she stated, remains committed to improving the welfare and quality of life of military families across the nation.

Mrs. Shaibu lauded the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Everestus Okoro, for his unwavering support and hospitality.

In his address, the Chief of Army Transformation and Innovation, Maj. Gen. Peter Okoye, said the programme was intended to make spouses abreast of the likely behavioural changes and other challenges that come with their husbands’ involvement in battles.

“The take-home message from today’s seminar is for our spouses to know what the soldiers are passing through in operational areas; that’s why we brought them here so they will know what their husbands are passing through and know when they start having changes in their lifestyle, which is not what they were known for before,” he said.

Speaking on the impact of prolonged involvement in battles on the children of soldiers, the army transformation chief said, “We need to tell the children and the wives what their fathers are doing in the field, and then what they should do to make their fathers perform better in the field. That is the essence of this seminar.”

Earlier, the Chairperson of NAOWA, Army 6 Division, Engr. Jane Okoro, thanked the NAOWA President and the Army Department of Transformation and Innovation for organising the event.

She urged families to support the post-traumatic stress recovery of their husbands by breaking the stigma, recognising symptoms, and encouraging care with empathy.