The Nigerian Army Officers' Wives Association (NAOWA), 4 Brigade Chapter, has partnered with the Ocean Wave Group to empower 100 women and youths residing in military barracks through a two-month skills acquisition programme aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, self-reliance and economic empowerment.
The programme, officially inaugurated on Thursday at the NAOWA Skills Acquisition Centre, Ekehuan Military Cantonment, Benin City, Edo State, is designed to equip participants with practical vocational skills that will enable them to establish businesses and generate sustainable income.
In a statement by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, the President of Ocean Wave Group, Mr. Peter Omoh Dunia, represented by Hon. Abibat Yakubu, said the training, which commenced on 13 July 2026, covers seven vocational areas: Advanced Tailoring and Crafts, Catering, Hairdressing, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Photography and Videography, Event Decoration, and Cosmetology.
She explained that the initiative seeks to reduce unemployment by providing participants with practical, market-driven skills while creating opportunities for self-employment and wealth creation.
According to her, beneficiaries will also receive the knowledge required to establish and successfully manage their own businesses after completing the programme.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Zonal Coordinator of NAOWA 4 Brigade Chapter, Mrs. Mariam Aina Balogun, described the initiative, themed "Skills for Income," as a timely intervention that aligns with the association's commitment to improving the welfare of military families.
She commended the Ocean Wave Group for partnering with NAOWA and urged participants to take the training seriously, stressing that the acquired skills should be used to support their families, establish businesses and create employment opportunities for others.
Mrs. Balogun noted that NAOWA was founded on the pillars of charity, welfare and employment, adding that the programme directly supports its employment mandate.
"We believe that when we empower a woman, we empower a home. When we empower a youth, we secure the future. And when we empower families within the barracks, we strengthen the morale and welfare of our troops," she said.
She also appreciated the Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, for his consistent support towards programmes that improve the welfare of women and children in military barracks.
In his remarks, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun applauded the collaboration between NAOWA and the Ocean Wave Group, describing it as a timely and impactful initiative that would positively transform the lives of beneficiaries.
He encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity by acquiring skills that would improve their livelihoods and contribute to their families' economic well-being, while reaffirming the Brigade's commitment to supporting programmes that enhance the welfare of military families.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including the Edo State Director of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mr. Cletus Uwadia; Commander, 4 Brigade Garrison, Lieutenant Colonel A.B. Balal; Commanding Officer, 322 Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel K.B. Adeyemi, among others.
Highlights of the ceremony included a drama presentation by beneficiaries, a guided tour of the Skills Acquisition Centre and group photographs.
