The President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Dr. Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, has been honoured with the prestigious Leading Emerging Women Leader in Africa Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership, advocacy for women’s empowerment, and commitment to community development.
The award was presented during the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Focus Africa Series, a landmark gathering that brought together policymakers, development experts, women leaders, and stakeholders from across the continent to deliberate on strategies for advancing women’s leadership and sustainable development in Africa.
According to the Liaison Officer, NAOWA, Captain Jemila Jimoh, the honour acknowledges Dr. Shaibu’s impactful contributions to empowering women, strengthening families, and promoting social development, particularly within military communities.
Following the presentation, Dr. Shaibu delivered a keynote lecture titled, “From the Home Front to the Boardroom: How Women’s Resilience Strengthens Families and Communities Across the World,” where she highlighted the indispensable role of women in building resilient families, thriving communities, and prosperous nations.
She described resilience as a defining quality that enables women to overcome challenges while continuing to nurture families, support communities, and excel in leadership positions.
Drawing from her experience as a military officer’s wife and a professional, Dr. Shaibu underscored the unique sacrifices made by women in military families, noting that managing homes during deployments and periods of uncertainty cultivates leadership skills that are equally valuable in public and private sectors.
“The home is not separate from leadership; it is where leadership is first nurtured and developed,” she said
The NAOWA President stressed that investing in women produces far-reaching benefits for society, adding that empowered women contribute significantly to stable families, stronger communities, and national development.
She reaffirmed NAOWA’s commitment to improving the welfare of women and families through programmes focused on education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and social support for military families across Nigeria.
While acknowledging the progress made in expanding women’s participation in leadership, Dr. Shaibu observed that many women still grapple with challenges such as balancing professional and family responsibilities, limited access to opportunities, and insufficient recognition for their contributions.
She therefore called on governments, institutions, and stakeholders to increase investment in mentorship programmes, inclusive policies, and leadership platforms that enable women to realise their full potential.
“As we look toward the future, there must be a conscious effort to recognize and value the strength that women bring from the home front into leadership spaces,” she said.
She concluded her address by urging African leaders to continue investing in women as drivers of sustainable development, emphasizing that the continent’s future depends on resilient, visionary, and determined women.
Quoting a popular maxim, Dr. Shaibu said, “If you empower a man, you empower an individual, but if you empower a woman, you empower a nation.”
The recognition further reinforces Dr. Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu’s growing profile as a leading advocate for women’s empowerment, family development, and transformational leadership, while highlighting NAOWA’s continued role in promoting the welfare of military families and advancing initiatives that foster national development.
