... As Expert Calls for Digitisation, Discipline and Financial Literacy
The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) has formally launched its Multipurpose Cooperative Society, a major initiative designed to enhance the economic wellbeing of officers’ wives, young entrepreneurs, and widows of fallen heroes. The historic event took place on Thursday, 27 November 2025, at the NAOWA Events Centre, Mambilla Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja.
Speaking at the ceremony, the NAOWA President, Mrs. Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, described the launch as a proud and transformative milestone for the association. She emphasized that the cooperative society was conceived, initiated, and developed by her predecessor, now President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Meinan Femi Oluyede.
Mrs. Shaibu praised her predecessor’s vision and dedication. “She led the foundation, developed the structure, and prepared everything we are unveiling today. It is only fitting that she performs the honour of this launch,” she said.
The NAOWA Multipurpose Cooperative Society is designed to serve as a financial safety net for members, offering opportunities to save, access credit facilities, and support small businesses and household needs. The initiative aims to boost economic independence and promote self-reliance across military communities.
Mrs. Shaibu noted that the cooperative will be particularly beneficial to widows of fallen soldiers and young women striving to build sustainable livelihoods.
“Its purpose is to strengthen our members economically and promote self-reliance across our communities,” she added.
Mrs. Shaibu extended appreciation to past NAOWA presidents for laying a strong foundation for the association’s continued growth. She reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that the cooperative thrives with transparency and integrity.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, the President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Mernan Femi Oluyede, praised the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) for its visionary step in launching the NAOWA Multipurpose Cooperative Society (NMCS), describing it as a milestone that will transform the financial well-being of military families.
Mrs. Oluyede noted that the establishment of the cooperative stemmed from a shared desire to enhance the financial empowerment, welfare, and economic stability of NAOWA members and military wives across the country. She described the launch as “the beginning of a new chapter for women in our community,” adding that the cooperative exemplifies what can be achieved through structured planning, dedication, and collective determination.
Reflecting on earlier discussions about the initiative, she commended the collaborative effort between herself and her successor, the 25th President of NAOWA, Mrs. Safiyyah Hassan-Shaibu. She highlighted their joint commitment to bringing the project to fruition, expressing deep appreciation for the partnership that made the vision a reality.
According to her, the NMCS will instill a culture of savings, promote disciplined investment, and foster entrepreneurship among military wives—an area where she said many NAOWA members have demonstrated exceptional talent and innovation. She expressed optimism that the cooperative would help showcase these entrepreneurial abilities while strengthening long-term financial planning within families.
Mrs. Oluyede emphasised that the cooperative reflects a spirit of continuity between past and present NAOWA administrations and stands as a long-lasting legacy of purposeful leadership. She urged future leaders to sustain the structure, noting that the initiative represents a blueprint for impactful and enduring development programmes.
She stated that the cooperative is built around women’s economic empowerment and the recognition of military wives as resilient pillars of their homes. By creating pathways for financial independence, the NMCS will uplift households, support communities, and enhance the overall stability of military families.
Membership, she noted, is open to current and former NAOWA members, including widows—a deliberate commitment to inclusivity that ensures no one is excluded from accessing credit and other benefits due to retirement or family loss. The cooperative’s bylaws, she added, are rooted in transparency, good governance, accountability, and professional financial management.
Mrs. Oluyede also highlighted plans for partnerships with reputable financial institutions to provide training, mentorship, financial literacy support, and micro-investment opportunities. Such collaborations, she said, will strengthen the cooperative’s capacity to deliver sustainable value to its members.
Beyond its immediate impact on military families, she noted that the NMCS aligns with national development priorities by demonstrating how cooperatives contribute to nation-building and community empowerment. She concluded by appreciating all stakeholders whose dedication made the launch possible. Mrs. Oluyede expressed hope that the cooperative would continue to grow and stand as a beacon of unity, empowerment, and sustainable development within NAOWA and the wider military community.
Delivering the project director’s opening remarks, the leadership of NMCS reaffirmed the cooperative’s mission to expand economic opportunities, drive financial inclusion, and strengthen the welfare of NAOWA members across the country.
Speaking at the event, the Project Director noted that the cooperative is structured to operate as a national primary cooperative society, enabling it to function effectively across all six geopolitical zones as well as the Federal Capital Territory. This nationwide model, she said, is designed to ensure that members can easily access services within their closest proximity, regardless of location.
She highlighted that the cooperative will leverage collaboration with government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and private sector institutions to deepen access to larger markets, financial services, and developmental opportunities for its members. These strategic partnerships, she added, will help amplify the social and economic impact of the cooperative.
“At the heart of this effort is empowerment—helping our members to become more financially independent, more confident, and better equipped to support their families and communities,” she stated.
The Project Director emphasised that one of the NMCS’s core objectives is the promotion of wealth creation and social cohesion among members, a vision captured in its tagline: “Together we thrive, together we grow.” She stressed that the cooperative belongs to all members and that every contribution, no matter the size, has a meaningful role in shaping its success.
Reaffirming the commitment of the NMCS Executive Committee, she urged all members to take ownership of the initiative and work collectively toward building an institution that will outlive current administrations and set a benchmark for other military support organisations.
“May this cooperative be a model of excellence, a source of empowerment, and a symbol of what unity can achieve,” she said, expressing optimism about the society’s future and its potential to positively transform the economic landscape for NAOWA families nationwide.
The resource person Dr. Kayode Akinade delivered a compelling charge to members, emphasising the need for digitisation, structured systems and continuous financial education. He urged the cooperative to adopt secure digital tools for managing savings and records, design loan products tailored to members’ needs and maintain regularly updated data to enhance transparency and growth.
Dr. Akinade further recommended mandatory monthly or quarterly financial literacy sessions across NAOWA subunits, noting that improved financial knowledge would strengthen both household and business record-keeping practices.
Dr. Akinade highlighted collaboration as a non-negotiable pillar for the cooperative’s success, stressing professionalism, discipline and dedication in its operations. Painting a hopeful picture of the future, he projected a cooperative where members easily access low-interest loans, families enjoy better financial stability, and investments generate annual dividends.
He also envisioned a support system for widows and vulnerable families, alongside the growth of cooperative-owned businesses that could become models for other military formations. Commending the NAOWA leadership for its foresight, he encouraged members to participate faithfully, describing the initiative as the beginning of a new chapter where women take greater control of their financial future.
The event witnessed the presence of sister associations including NOWA, NAFOWA, and COWA, whose attendance underscored the unity among women supporting Nigeria’s armed forces.
A special guest at the event, Honourable Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, was acknowledged for her support and encouragement. Resource person Dr. Kayode Akinade, along with the cooperative’s management committee, was also commended for providing guidance in bringing the vision to life.
The launch ceremony drew dignitaries, members of the military community, and partner organisations, marking what many described as a new chapter of empowerment for women within the Armed Forces community. The ceremony concluded with goodwill messages and reaffirmations of NAOWA’s dedication to the welfare and empowerment of military families.
