The NAOWA Institute of Management and Technology (NIMTA), Abuja, has graduated a combined total of 167 trainees in its second batch of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and first batch of Fashion Design and Tailoring programmes, marking another milestone in its youth empowerment drive.
The landmark occasion-the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the Batch 2 Information and Communication Technology Trainees and the Batch 1 Fashion Design Trainees of the NAOWA Youth Empowerment Project for Year 2025 took place today, Saturday 9th August, 2025 at Mrs Alero Azazi Event Centre, Mambilla Barracaks, Asokoro Abuja.
Speaking at the combined graduation ceremony of the second batch of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) trainees and the first batch of Fashion Design trainees in Abuja, the Special Guest of Honour, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Chief of Civil-Military (Army), Major General Gold Chibuisi hailed the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) Youth Empowerment Project as a model for national development, describing it as a bold and visionary initiative that equips young Nigerians with market-ready skills.
He quoted former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, emphasising that empowered youth are key agents of development and peace. He praised NAOWA President, Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, and her team for sustaining and expanding the programme, which he said aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s priorities of youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and community development.
The Army Chief noted that the project, since inception, has empowered hundreds of young Nigerians with practical skills, renewed confidence, and a clear sense of purpose, enabling them to become self-reliant and productive citizens.
He commended the graduating trainees for their discipline, dedication, and resilience, urging them to embrace the future with confidence, creativity, and a commitment to uplifting others. According to him, the skills acquired—ranging from digital competence in ICT to creative innovation in fashion—are not just vocational tools but life-changing opportunities that can inspire transformation within and beyond the military community.
Reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to initiatives that uplift soldiers’ families and contribute to national peace and progress, Lt Gen Oluyede called on the media to amplify such stories of transformation as a showcase of effective civil-military cooperation.
He pledged continued support for strategic partnerships that empower the next generation “not just with weapons, but with knowledge, creativity, and the tools of lasting progress.” The event, he stressed, represents more than a graduation—it is a celebration of resilience, opportunity, and a shared vision for a stronger Nigeria.
In her remarks, the NAOWA President Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede ably represented by Mrs Bilikisu Ibrahim described the initiative as a “strategic investment in the future of our nation,” equipping young people with market-relevant skills to promote self-reliance, employment, and innovation in Nigeria’s evolving economy.
Quoting Nelson Mandela’s famous words on education, Mrs. Oluyede praised the graduates for their resilience and dedication, urging them to “be role models and mentors in their communities” and to spread the benefits of empowerment beyond themselves.
She expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, for his unwavering support for NAOWA’s vision, noting that his commitment has “uplifted families and communities across our barracks.”
The NAOWA President also lauded the facilitators, instructors, and partners, including the Rector of the NAOWA Institute of Management and Technology, Lt. Col. C.R. Adamu, for their leadership and dedication. She emphasised that NAOWA’s empowerment model focuses on “laying lasting foundations—building capacity, strengthening character, and nurturing self-reliance,” rather than offering short-term relief.
Mrs. Oluyede concluded by reaffirming NAOWA’s resolve to broaden the reach and deepen the impact of its empowerment programmes, declaring: “Together, we will continue to build ladders of opportunity for those who need them most.”
Earlier, the Rector, NAOWA Institute of Management and Technology Abuja. Lt Col. Comfort Ronke Adamu revealed that the ICT trainees completed a six-week professionally certified programme, while the fashion design students underwent an intensive twelve-week practical training. Both programmes were designed to equip barracks youths with employable skills in line with the vision of the National President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA).
“This initiative is borne out of the National President’s passion to make youths in the barracks useful and resourceful through acquisition of economic skills,” Lt Col Adamu said. “In today’s technologically driven world, basic computing knowledge and creativity in fashion are critical assets for success.”
A total of 135 youths — 55 males and 80 females — graduated from the ICT programme, which covered IT essentials, Python programming, cyber security, web design, and related technology skills. The training was delivered by an internationally accredited team of tutors. In fashion design, 32 trainees — including children of widows — were trained in sewing, tie and dye, batik, and screen printing to meet both local and international fashion demands.
The Rector disclosed that one ICT trainee was withdrawn for disobedience to laid-down rules, leaving 134 successful graduates. All participants were children of Master Warrant Officers and below in the Nigerian Army. Fifteen trainees — seven females and eight males — earned outstanding performance awards and will proceed on a four-week internship to consolidate their knowledge.
The training, which began in April and June 2025 respectively, also included an excursion to the digitalised Nigerian Army Museum to deepen the trainees’ understanding of Nigeria’s history.
Lt Col Adamu urged the graduates to be good ambassadors of the Institute, upholding discipline, punctuality, and integrity in their professional pursuits. She also expressed appreciation to the National President NAOWA for her “untiring support, strategic guidance, and motherly counsel,” promising the Institute’s continued commitment to empowering barracks youth with productive skills.
The climax of the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the Batch 2 Information and Communication Technology Trainees and the Batch 1 Fashion Design Trainees of the NAOWA Youth Empowerment Project for Year 2025 is the presentation of 15 laptops to the deserving student in ICT, presentation of Certificates to ICT Students, Fashion Design, presentation of Award to ICT Students, presentation of starter packs to students of Fashion Design and presentation of letter of Attestation to the best ICT Trainees of Batch 1 ICT Course after internship at NIMTA.
In attendance were the President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Musa represented by Mrs Olubukola Olatunde, and the presidents of sister associations—NOWA, NAFOWA, and POWA—whose presence, Mrs. Oluyede said, demonstrated “the spirit of unity and collaboration” in supporting youth-focused initiatives.
