By Olayemi Esan
The Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) 6 Division Chapter, Thursday graduated 50 trainees of her Skill Acquisition Centre at the NAOWA Vocational Centre Port Harcourt barracks, Rivers State.
The Skill Acquisition Centre is designed to assist the families of the soldiers, particularly the Wives, Widows and Children to acquire skills towards empowering them to attain self-employment.
The Special Guest of Honor and the GOC/LCC 6 Div Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Sani Gambo Mohammed while making his keynote address stated that the empowerment of families within the barracks is an important aspect of the Chief of Army Staff vision as it enables the children of personnel to learn and have skills as well as trade.
He maintained that Army cannot hesitate in giving all neccessary support to NAOWA as a non-profit organization which strives to affect and empower families within the barracks community.
He reassured them that the COAS is keen on alleviating any form of idleness within the barracks community and also make life easier and meaningful to them as they learn and aquire new skills.
He congratulated the participants and trainees for their dedication during the period of the training and urged them to put the skills learned into good use.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairperson NAOWA 6 Division Chapter, Mrs Hafsat Mohammed stressed that the programme is in line with the vision of the NAOWA National President to develop and harness the skills of the youths and women in the barracks towards achieving self-reliance, having leverage in the larger community in Nigeria and beyond.
She disclosed that the Centre comprises of Shoe and Bag making Department, Computer Studies, Hair Dressing, Tailoring, Catering, Knitting amongst others. She further disclosed that a number of 50 participants were trained and are graduating today.
The Chairperson specially appreciated the GOC for his guidance and unflinching support to NAOWA Skill Acquisition Centre as well as his enormous contributions towards actualizing it's remodelling.
The event also witnessed the inauguration of a new course of 30 participants.
Present at the event includes, Commanders of 6 Division Affiliated Formations and Units, Principal Staff Officers, soldiers and their families.
The highpoints of the event were the presentation of Course Highlights by Mrs Amanda Amatso, presentation of certificates and starter packs to the graduating students, and a group photograph.
