NOWA committed to upholding unity within naval community
The Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) has said that it remained committed to supporting the families of naval personnel because of the pivotal role they play in upholding the spirit of unity.
The President of the Association, Mrs Aisha Abbas, on Thursday said that the aim was to foster a supportive network that nurtured comradeship and welfare for the development of naval families.
Aisha, wife of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abass, said this during the familiarisation visit and groundbreaking ceremony of Nigerian Navy Officers’ Mess and Boat Club which held at Western Naval Command, Lagos.
“NOWA recognises the relentless dedication and sacrifices that the personnel of this command makes in safeguarding our nation’s maritime interests.
“Your commitment to excellence and service is truly commendable.
“It is our sincere hope that NOWA can contribute to the welfare and well-being of our naval community in a meaningful and impactful manner,” she said.
The president thanked the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Abdullahi Mustapha, for the warm reception and hospitality accorded her and her delegates.
“We are here today on this visit to appreciate your support to NOWA as well as to consolidate on the existing cordial relationship.
“Your care and passion for humanity is very glaring as it is obvious through the diverse ways you have been supporting the association.
“My prayer is that Almighty Allah will continue to endow you with divine wisdom and understanding to sail the affairs of the command seamlessly and smoothly,” she said.
The president said that NOWA was a non-profitable and non-governmental organisation that could only do as much as it could within her limited resources.
“Hence, we will always beckon on you for your support when the need arises,” she said.
The FOC, Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Abdullahi Mustapha said that NOWA had continued to be a critical enabler to the Nigerian Navy’s operational success by stabilising the home front.
Mustapha said that an unstable home front would not translate to effectiveness at sea and the successes recorded by the command would not have been possible without NOWA.
“We are thankful for the sacrifices you make because we go out for long months and stay away from our family while you hold the home front.
“This has helped us to meet most of the mandates given to us as a force. NOWA has been able to bridge gaps in education, health care and empowerment programmes.
“This has been very impactful across all units and establishments,” he said.
The FOC said that NOWA’s visit would also provide the command, the opportunity to align their activities with those of the association.
“Aligning the command’s activities with NOWA activities will translate to operational excellence and professional efficiency, which defines the Nigerian Navy.
“The command will continue to support NOWA, develop innovative ways to interface with NOWA, so that NOWA can achieve most of its mandate or what it sets out to do,” he said.
Mustapha said that the command had continued to contribute meaningfully in safeguarding the Nigerian maritime domain, protecting its critical national assets and infrastructure in line with the command philosophy of the CNS.
NOWA also visited the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft under the command of Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu.
Adams-Aliu appreciated their visit, saying that it would encourage them to do more, adding that, it was the first time a NOWA president had visited NNS Beecroft in a long while.
