The NAOWA Youth Empowerment Project (N-YEP) is a flagship initiative of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, dedicated to equipping young men and women within the barracks community with practical, market-ready skills that open doors to education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Conceived as a long-term empowerment strategy, N-YEP reflects NAOWA’s unwavering commitment to breaking cycles of dependency by raising a self-reliant, economically active generation. Since its inception, the programme has expanded in both scope and impact, offering training in high-demand fields, complemented by starter packs, mentorship, and career guidance to ensure graduates can put their skills to work immediately.
All trainings take place at the NAOWA Institute of Management and Technology, Abuja (NIMTA) — a hub for skill development and innovation.
Programme Highlights
Digital Skills (ICT) – A 6-week intensive programme covering both core and advanced Information and Communication Technology skills, preparing participants to excel in today’s fast-evolving digital economy.
Fashion Design – A 3-month hands-on programme blending creative design, tailoring, and entrepreneurship, enabling graduates to establish sustainable fashion businesses.
Catering & Culinary Arts – Professional training in catering, baking, and food service management, equipping participants to launch catering ventures or gain employment in the hospitality sector.
Technical Skills Development – Training in specialised trades that broaden employment opportunities and meet local market demands.
Youth Development Focus – Every training module builds not only economic capacity but also leadership, social, and academic growth, empowering graduates to become community change-makers.
Impact in 2025
Batch 1 ICT Training (May 2025) – Graduated 199 digital skills trainees, enhancing their capacity for academic excellence and entrepreneurial success.
Combined Graduation (August 2025) – Celebrated 132 ICT graduates and 34 Fashion Design graduates, marking a major milestone in N-YEP’s growth.
Beyond Training
N-YEP is more than just skill acquisition — it is a pathway to hope, independence, and lifelong opportunity. Many graduates have launched their own businesses, secured meaningful employment, or pursued higher education, becoming role models and mentors to other youths in their communities.
Every graduate leaves with a starter pack from NIMTA, enabling them to immediately turn their training into tangible income-generating activities.
Through N-YEP, NAOWA is bridging the gap between potential and opportunity, proving that with the right tools, guidance, and support, our young people can create a brighter future for themselves, their families, and the nation.
