LAGOS, Nigeria — The Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering unity and enhancing the welfare of families of naval personnel, describing them as critical to sustaining operational effectiveness within the Nigerian Navy.
The President of NOWA, Aisha Abbas, made this known on Thursday during a familiarisation visit and the groundbreaking ceremony of the Nigerian Navy Officers’ Mess and Boat Club at the Western Naval Command.
Abbas said the association’s mission was to build a strong support network that promotes comradeship and improves the well-being of naval families.
“NOWA recognises the relentless dedication and sacrifices that personnel of this command make in safeguarding our nation’s maritime interests. Your commitment to excellence and service is truly commendable,” she said.
She expressed optimism that the association would continue to make meaningful contributions to the welfare of the naval community despite its limited resources.
Abbas also commended the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Abdullahi Mustapha, for his support and hospitality, noting that the visit was aimed at strengthening existing ties and encouraging sustained collaboration.
“We are here to appreciate your support to NOWA and to consolidate on the cordial relationship. Your passion for humanity is evident in your consistent support for the association,” she added.
Describing NOWA as a non-profit, non-governmental organisation, Abbas appealed for continued support from naval leadership to enable the group to expand its impact across education, healthcare and empowerment initiatives.
In his remarks, Mustapha acknowledged NOWA’s vital role in stabilising the home front, stressing that family support directly influences operational success at sea.
“An unstable home front cannot translate to effectiveness at sea. The successes recorded by this command would not have been possible without NOWA,” he said.
He noted that naval personnel often spend extended periods away from their families, adding that the association’s interventions have helped bridge gaps in education, healthcare and empowerment across naval communities.
Mustapha further assured that the command would continue to align its activities with NOWA’s programmes to enhance efficiency and operational excellence.
“As we align our activities with those of NOWA, it will translate into professional efficiency, which defines the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
The NOWA delegation also visited the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, where the Commander, Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, described the visit as encouraging and long overdue.
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He noted that the presence of the NOWA president would boost morale among personnel and their families, adding that it was the first such visit to the base in a long time.
The visit underscored NOWA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen unity within the naval community while reinforcing the link between family welfare and national security operations.
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