By Victor Akaa.
In a bid to enhance the socio-economic well-being of its members and the barracks community, the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) has commissioned a renovated and remodelled vocational training centre in Giginya Barracks, Sokoto.
The centre, which was inaugurated on January 22, 2025, is equipped to provide training in various skills such as leather works, tailoring, catering, hairdressing, and makeup.
During the commissioning, Zonal Coordinator NAOWA 8 Division Garrison, Mrs Anne Omoh Tawasimi and the initiator of the project said , “This project was handed over to me in a bad shape and dilapidated. By our assessment, it was not too conducive for learning and for acquisition of skills necessary for empowerment of our Barracks Community.”
She, however, said with the kind permission of the Chairperson, NAOWA 8 Division Chapter, Mrs. Meg Indidi Ajose, renovations were carried out, including changing the windows, fixing burglary proofs, renovation, tilling, landscaping, and lighting.
Mrs Tawasimi noted that the centre is already operational, with 115 trainees currently undergoing training in various vocations.
The Zonal Coordinator noted that “The skills and vocations acquired here will surely empower individuals to make meaningful contributions and impacts in our community positively.”
The coordinator also expressed gratitude to the Chairperson, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, and other stakeholders for their support in making the project a reality.
The Zonal Coordinator said, “I want to specially thank the Chairperson for giving me the opportunity to leave a legacy behind. I appreciate the General Officer Commanding 8 Division for his support and making sure that the barracks community has the needed support to advance skill acquisition and empowerment.”
She also thanked her husband, the outgoing Commander 8 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Alex Tawasimi, for providing the necessary financial and guidance support for the project.
In her remarks, the Guest of Honour and 8 Division NAOWA Chairperson, Mrs Meg Ndidi Ajose commended the NAOWA Zonal Coordinator and Wife of 8 Division Garrison Commander, Mrs Anne Tawasimi for her tireless efforts and sacrifices for making the project a reality.
“We are not only providing a conducive learning environment for our children, but also empowering them with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to succeed in life.
“I urge instructors, youths, women and other category of students to make good use of the facilities in the school, ” Mrs Ajose said.
The Chairperson called on citizens to join NAOWA on its strive for academic excellence, foster a culture of innovation and creativity as well as cultivate a sense of community and social responsibility in the formation.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the Special Guest of Honour, Mrs. Meg Indidi Ajose, and the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, represented by Brigadier General S. Adamu.
The event marked a significant milestone in NAOWA’s efforts to empower its members and the barracks community, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the socio-economic development of the region
