Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede Bows Out After a Distinguished Tenure
It was a colourful and memorable occasion at the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) National Secretariat, Asokoro, Abuja, on Saturday, 1 November 2025, as Mrs Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu officially assumed office as the 25th President of NAOWA. She succeeded Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede following a formal handing-and-taking-over ceremony marked by elegance and emotional tributes.
In her valedictory remarks, the outgoing President, Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for His guidance throughout her tenure. She thanked her husband, General O.O. Oluyede, AFM, NAM, for his unwavering support as Chief of Army Staff and now Chief of Defence Staff, while commending NAOWA members nationwide for their loyalty and commitment to the Association’s ideals.
Reaffirming her leadership vision themed “Enhancing Humanity Through a Steadfast Commitment to Unity, Service, and Preservation of Enduring Legacies,” Mrs Oluyede highlighted major achievements during her administration.
These include strengthened institutional frameworks, sustainable humanitarian programmes, and impactful empowerment initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of military families.
In a statement, the NAOWA Liaison Officer, Major Ayobami Oni-Orisan, noted that Mrs Oluyede encouraged continued unity and service among members and assured that, in her new capacity as DEPOWA President, she would remain dedicated to promoting compassion, empowerment, and institutional growth across the Armed Forces community.
In her acceptance remarks, the new NAOWA President, Mrs Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve and commended her predecessor for her exemplary leadership. She pledged to sustain the legacy of service, unity, and empowerment established by Mrs Oluyede.
“Your leadership has been exemplary, and we remain grateful for your dedication and service to NAOWA. You have laid a strong foundation, and I am committed to building upon it with sincerity, vision, and dedication,” she state
The event was attended by the outgoing Deputy President NAOWA, Mrs Bilkisu Ibrahim; members of the 39 Regular Course Angels; wives of Principal Staff Officers at the Army Headquarters; wives of Corps Commanders; NAOWA Chairpersons and Coordinators; members of the 41 Regular Course Rubies; and heads of various NAOWA establishments within Abuja, among others.
Highlights of the ceremony included the signing of the handing-and-taking-over notes, presentation of the NAOWA flag, and a group photograph session.
Mrs Shaibu, a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Forensic Accountant currently pursuing a PhD in Public Administration, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her new role. Having previously served in key NAOWA leadership positions in Monguno, Bama, and Maiduguri, she is credited with driving infrastructural development, empowerment programmes, humanitarian outreach, and educational support for families in military communities.
Renowned for her compassion, integrity, and inclusiveness, Mrs Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu’s assumption of leadership is expected to usher in a new era of progress and transformation for NAOWA — strengthening the Association’s enduring legacy of service to humanity and support for Nigerian Army families.
