NAOWA President Urges Graduates to Build Sustainable Livelihoods, Unveils Bakery and Fashion Hub to Boost Youth Empowerment
The President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Dr. Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, has challenged graduates of the Batch One NAOWA Youth Empowerment Project 2026 to transform the practical skills they acquired during their training into sustainable businesses, meaningful employment, and long-term economic opportunities.
Dr. Shaibu gave the charge during the graduation ceremony for participants who completed professional training in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Fashion Design. The event also featured the official unveiling of two new empowerment initiatives NAOWA Delight Bakery and NAOWA Stitches and Designs designed to provide graduates with practical platforms for entrepreneurship, skills development, and income generation.
The ceremony marked another significant milestone in NAOWA’s growing commitment to youth empowerment, economic inclusion, and family welfare under the leadership of Dr. Shaibu. It attracted senior military officers, members of sister organizations, NAOWA executives, instructors, facilitators, development partners, family members, and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the achievements of the first batch of trainees.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Shaibu described the graduation as much more than the completion of a training programme. According to her, it represents the beginning of a new journey where participants are expected to become self-reliant entrepreneurs and productive contributors to national development.
She expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of the programme and praised the dedication of the instructors, facilitators, and participants whose commitment made the initiative successful.
“The graduation ceremony is not merely a celebration of certificates,” she noted. “It is the beginning of opportunities where knowledge is translated into productivity, innovation, and sustainable livelihoods.”
She emphasized that vocational and digital skills have become indispensable tools in today’s rapidly changing economy, encouraging graduates to remain committed to continuous learning while embracing creativity and resilience.
Addressing the graduands directly, Dr. Shaibu urged them not to allow the newly acquired knowledge to remain dormant but instead use it as a foundation for building businesses capable of supporting themselves, their families, and their communities.
She stressed that the success of the programme would ultimately be measured not by the number of certificates awarded but by the number of successful entrepreneurs, employers, innovators, and professionals it produces.
According to her, every participant now possesses valuable skills that can be transformed into profitable ventures capable of creating employment opportunities and reducing economic hardship.
She encouraged the graduates to become ambassadors of excellence by demonstrating discipline, professionalism, integrity, and innovation in whatever careers or businesses they choose to pursue.
Dr. Shaibu explained that the empowerment project forms part of her broader vision of building a united, innovative, and self-sustaining NAOWA that prioritizes the welfare of Nigerian Army families.
She noted that military families often face unique social and economic challenges arising from frequent relocations, operational deployments, and changing family circumstances. Empowerment initiatives such as ICT training, fashion design, and entrepreneurship programmes therefore provide practical pathways for financial independence.
According to her, NAOWA remains committed to equipping women and young people with relevant skills that will enhance household incomes while improving the overall welfare of military communities.
She reaffirmed that every programme initiated by the association is guided by a commitment to promoting self-reliance, dignity, and economic resilience among members.
One of the major highlights of the ceremony was the unveiling of NAOWA Delight Bakery and NAOWA Stitches and Designs, two facilities expected to serve as practical centres for skills application, business incubation, and vocational excellence.
The bakery is designed to provide professional baking services while creating opportunities for graduates to gain hands-on experience, generate income, and further develop their entrepreneurial capacity.
Similarly, NAOWA Stitches and Designs is expected to function as a fashion production and training hub where graduates can refine their tailoring and garment-making skills while producing quality clothing for commercial purposes.
The facilities are expected to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical business operations, ensuring that trainees leave with both technical competence and opportunities for economic participation.
The ICT graduates were also encouraged to explore the growing opportunities presented by Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.
Dr. Shaibu observed that technology continues to reshape global industries and employment opportunities, making digital literacy increasingly essential for career growth and entrepreneurship.
She urged graduates to continually update their knowledge in emerging areas such as digital marketing, software applications, graphic design, data management, cybersecurity, and other technology-driven services capable of generating sustainable income.
According to her, the digital economy offers immense opportunities for young Nigerians who are willing to remain innovative and adaptable.
Speaking on fashion design, the NAOWA President noted that Nigeria’s creative industry continues to experience significant growth, creating numerous opportunities for skilled designers and entrepreneurs.
She encouraged graduates to pursue excellence by producing quality products capable of competing in local and international markets.
Rather than viewing tailoring as merely a vocational occupation, she urged participants to embrace fashion as a thriving business capable of generating wealth, creating jobs, and promoting Nigerian creativity.
She further emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards, customer satisfaction, and professionalism in building sustainable fashion enterprises.
Dr. Shaibu appreciated the instructors, facilitators, supporters, and stakeholders whose contributions ensured the successful implementation of the programme.
She also commended the dedication shown by the trainees throughout the duration of their training, describing their commitment as evidence that Nigerian youths are eager to acquire practical skills when given the opportunity.
She expressed optimism that subsequent batches of the NAOWA Youth Empowerment Project would expand both in scope and impact, reaching more beneficiaries across military communities nationwide.
The association, she said, remains committed to introducing more innovative programmes that promote education, vocational development, entrepreneurship, and social welfare.
The graduation ceremony concluded with renewed optimism as participants celebrated not only the completion of their training but also the opportunities that now lie ahead.
The unveiling of NAOWA Delight Bakery and NAOWA Stitches and Designs reinforced the association’s commitment to creating practical pathways for employment and enterprise rather than limiting empowerment to classroom instruction.
As the first batch of graduates embarks on new careers in ICT and fashion design, NAOWA hopes the programme will inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of strengthening military families, supporting local economies, and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s broader development agenda through innovation, hard work, and sustainable livelihoods.
Source: Press statement issued by Captain Jemila Jimoh, Liaison Officer, Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA).
