Over 150 young men and women have graduated from the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) Youth Empowerment Project (N-YEP) after completing the Batch 2 ICT and Batch 1 Fashion Design training programmes.

The colourful ceremony, held on 9 August 2025 at the Mrs. Alero Azazi Event Centre, Mambilla Barracks, Abuja, also saw outstanding graduates honoured with starter packs — including laptop computers and sewing kits — to support their immediate transition into entrepreneurship and employment.

In her address, the NAOWA President, Mrs. Mernan Femi Oluyede, described N-YEP as more than a training programme, calling it “a strategic investment in the lives and futures of our youth.” Represented by the Deputy NAOWA President, Mrs. Bilkisu Ibrahim, she emphasized that NAOWA is not only responding to the demands of the modern economy but is also contributing to national development through innovation, self-reliance, and job creation. She urged the graduates to go beyond their certificates, embracing resilience, innovation, and excellence in all their pursuits.

The Special Guest of Honour, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, NAM, represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General GU Chibuisi, commended NAOWA for sustaining and expanding the programme. He noted that the graduation marked not only the conclusion of months of diligent training but also the renewal of a shared commitment to youth development, social transformation, and national progress.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s support for initiatives that uplift the families of soldiers and strengthen peace and development nationwide, saying: “We will continue to support strategic partnerships that empower the next generation — not with weapons, but with knowledge, creativity, and the tools for lasting progress.”

Similarly, the Guest of Honour, President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Musa, represented by the Vice President of DEPOWA, Dr. Olubukola Olatunde, applauded NAOWA’s capacity-building efforts and encouraged graduates to fully apply and grow their newly acquired skills.

The celebration featured a presentation of course modules by the Rector of the NAOWA Institute of Management and Technology (NIMTA), a vibrant cultural performance by NYSC members, and an impressive ICT demonstration by graduates while certificates were formally awarded to 132 ICT graduates and 34 Fashion Design graduates. The event concluded with the presentation of a souvenir to the Special Guest of Honour, the cutting of the graduation cake, and a memorable group photo session.

Dignitaries in attendance included the Chief Host, the President NAOWA; the Special Guest of Honour, the COAS; the President of DEPOWA; and representatives of the Presidents of the various Officers’ Wives Associations along with their members. Also present were the representative of the Director General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Kwaru David Madziga; senior military officers; members of the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association; family and friends of the graduates; and other distinguished invited guests.

The N-YEP Project, run at NIMTA, offers training in ICT, fashion design, catering, and other technical skills to prepare youths within the barracks community for education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
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