The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), has commenced training of 50 widows of fallen soldiers and youths at Nigerian Army 6 Division, Port Harcourt.

NAOWA’s National President, Mrs Salamatu Yayaya declared the training open during the inauguration of NAOWA’s Secretariat Complex, Wellness Centre, Skill Acquisition Centre and Library at the division’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Salamatu, who is the wife of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, said the training of widows and youths was targeted at improving their general wellbeing.

“The skill acquisition course aimed to develop the skills of the youths and women in Port Harcourt Barracks to enable them to become self-reliant and productive.

“This was conceived as part of measures aimed at enhancing the welfare of families of Nigerian Army personnel.

Yahaya said that the newly completed NAOWA 6 Division secretariat complex would provide a conducive atmosphere for members to unite and serve the barrack community.

“Similarly, the Wellness Centre will assist in addressing issues of serious concern relating to mental health of residents at the 6 Division barrack.

“The completed library at NAOWA Nursery and Primary School in the barrack will be stocked with quality educational books and materials to aid the studies of our children.

“The actualisation of these projects is indeed a testimony of the importance NAOWA places on the wellbeing of youths, women and the entire barrack community,” she added.

The NAOWA president commended members for completing the projects and thanked the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Maj.-Gen. Sani Mohammed for his support of the association.

Earlier, Mrs Hafsat Mohammed, Chairperson NAOWA 6 Division, said the skill acquisition centre was built to empower the families, wives and widows of fallen heroes with various skills.

“The training comprises shoe and bag making; computer studies, hair dressing, tailoring, catering, knitting, among others.

“The 50 participants, comprising women and youths in the barrack will be trained on the aforementioned courses for a period of two months.

“The courses, sponsored by the GOC will be taught by experienced instructors in the various skills of study,” she explained.

Hasfat, who is the wife of the GOC 6 Division, said that the Wellness Centre has facilities for counseling, treatment and therapy rooms as well as gymnasium for fitness and yoga.

According to her, the centre would provide treatment for people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, depression and mental instability.

On his part, the GOC 6 Division, Mohammed assured the full cooperation and support of the division to the activities of NAOWA.

He commended the association’s national president for her commitment to supporting the families of officers and soldiers who died in the line of duty.

“These projects as well as many others in different stages of completion in the barracks wouldn’t have been possible without the provision of logistics and funds by the COAS,” he added.