The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association has expressed commitment to empowering youths within barracks communities and the nation at large.

NAOWA president, Mernan Oluyede, said this at the graduation of 167 beneficiaries, comprising second batch of ICT and first batch of fashion design trainees in Abuja.

The beneficiaries were trained under the NAOWA Youth Empowerment Project at its Institute of Management and Technology in Abuja.

Mr Oluyede 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, saying that the graduates were leaving with “knowledge, skills, and confidence”.

The president commended the chief of army staff, Olufemi Oluyede, for his steadfast commitment to youth empowerment, which she said had uplifted families and communities across army barracks.

She noted that the training in ICT and fashion design aligned with national goals of promoting employment, self-reliance, and innovation in a rapidly changing economy.

“This is empowerment with purpose to nurturing confident, productive citizens who can drive positive change in their communities and beyond,” she said.

Mr Oluyede urged the graduates to serve as role models in their communities and inspire others to embrace learning and skill development.

She also commended the facilitators, and development partners for their contributions to the success of the programme.

The rector of NIMTA, Comfort Adamu, said that 135 trainees underwent six weeks of intensive ICT training, while 32 completed a 12-week practical-oriented fashion design and tailoring programme.

Ms Adamu explained that the ICT curriculum covered IT essentials, python programming, cyber security, web design etc, while the fashion design curriculum included sewing, tie and dye, batik, and screen printing.

According to her, all the 134 ICT graduates and 32 fashion design graduates were children of Master Warrant Officers and below.

She said that 15 trainees excelled to the point of qualifying for a four-week internship, while one male was withdrawn for indiscipline.

She noted that 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, thanked NAOWA for its motherly support, describing the programme as life-changing.

He also expressed appreciation to the army chief, the NIMTA management, facilitators, and invited guests for their roles in making the event a success.

The event attracted dignitaries, including the representatives of the Presidents of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association, Services Spouses’ Associations, and some senior army officers, sponsors, and parents. 

(NAN)