By Olukayode Michael, Maiduguri
Wives
of Army officers have begun building community development projects in
Maiduguri and environs.
The women under their umbrella body, Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (
NAOWA ) also commenced training in skill acquisition for widows and
orphans in barracks under the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of High Impact projects organised by the
NAOWA 7 Division at Maimalari Army Cantonment in Maiduguri, on Wednesday, the
President of the association in 7 Division, Mrs Aisha Bulama Biu, the wife of
the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Brig. Gen. Bulama Biu
said amongst the community relation projects lined up for execution is the
provision of water boreholes in the indigenous communities of Auno, Shagari
low-cost Housing B , Shuari Village around 7 Division Garrison and Waddaiya
Village around Giwa Barracks.
She added that the motivation behind the project is based on the observed
scarcity of water around Maiduguri and the need to provide succour to the
people of the communities as it is often said, “he who brings water,
brings life.”
She said: “Furthermore, NAOWA 7 Division chapter under my watch will
conduct skill acquisition training programme for about 400 widows, orphans and
other family members to empower them for gainful self-employment.
“In addition, and in order to boost the civil military relationship
so as to expand intelligence gathering space , I am also organizing ”
NAOWA Cups ” in football and volleyball competitions for clubs and youths
in Maiduguri. I believe this will provide a good platform for social
interactions and put smiles on the faces of our teeming youths.”
She further said that in a bid to promote literacy in the barracks, some women
with the barracks would be inducted into the adult literacy class for training
aimed at eradication of illiteracy from the barracks.
She thanked the Borno State Ministry of Education, particularly, Mass Literacy
Agency for approving Maimalari cantonment as a centre following her request.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7
Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation Lafiya Dole, Brigadier
General Bulama Biu said the NAOWA project is in line with the Chief of Army
Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai’s vision of having professionally responsive Army
in discharging its duties .
“So, this occasion today will enhance civil military relation and war
against insurgency in the Northeast. Military is determined to completely wipe
out Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast . I commend NAOWA for supporting our
efforts in the theatre”, the GOC said.