Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
As part of the 162nd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 8 Division Sokoto, on Monday, hosted a heartfelt event celebrating the indispensable role of women within the military community.
Held under the theme “The Strength Behind the Uniform,” the ceremony paid homage to the wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters who provide unwavering emotional, psychological, and moral support to soldiers often from the sidelines.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Meg Ndidi Ajose, Chairperson of NAOWA 8 Division, described women as the “silent strength” sustaining the military.
She emphasized their roles as caregivers, moral compasses, and vital connectors between the barracks and broader civilian society.
“This week is not only about honoring our uniformed heroes our husbands, brothers, fathers, and sisters,” Mrs. Ajose stated.
“It is also about recognizing the women whose sacrifices often go unnoticed, but whose contributions are foundational to the strength and resilience of our armed forces.”
She called on women in military communities to remain resolute in championing peace, promoting education, encouraging hygiene, and driving community development efforts.
Her message was clear: the nation cannot thrive without empowered and united women at its core.
Mrs. Ajose also paid a poignant tribute to the widows of fallen soldiers, reaffirming their permanent place in the extended military family.
“This NADCEL week is especially dedicated to you, the widows whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice. May God comfort you and grant you enduring peace,” she said.
The program included sensitization lectures delivered by three esteemed guest speakers.
These sessions focused on empowering military wives with practical tools to maintain household stability and raise children during their spouses’ deployments.
Participants were equipped with knowledge on mental wellness, financial planning, and community support systems ensuring that the home front remains strong even when soldiers are away in service.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Ajose emphasized the importance of solidarity among women in the barracks. She urged them to extend their support networks and uplift one another for the greater good of their families and the nation.
“Let us continue to raise one another, expand our reach, and deepen our collective impact. Together, we can build stronger families, a healthier barracks environment, and a more peaceful Nigeria.
“Indeed, we are the strength behind the uniform,” she concluded to resounding applause.
The event also showcased ongoing NAOWA community outreach initiatives, which aim to strengthen family life within military formations while promoting core societal values.
As the Nigerian Army marks over a century and a half of service, NAOWA’s message rings louder than ever: behind every soldier stands a woman whose strength, sacrifice, and support shape the very foundation of military excellence.
