The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 4 Brigade Chapter, in collaboration with the Ocean Wave Group, on Thursday, 23 July 2026, officially inaugurated a two-month skills acquisition training programme for 100 barracks women and youths at the NAOWA Skills Acquisition Centre, Ekehuan Military Cantonment, Benin City, Edo State.
This was contained in a statement signed by Captain Kennedy Anyawu Assistant director army public relations 4 brigade Nigerian army Benin city issued to newsmen.
Speaking at the event, the President of Ocean Wave Group, Mr Peter Omoh Dunia, represented by Hon Abibat Yakubu, disclosed that the intensive training commenced on 13 July 2026 and is designed to equip participants with practical skills in seven areas. She stated that the beneficiaries are currently undergoing training in Advanced Tailoring and Crafts, Catering, Hairdressing, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Photography and Videography, Event Decoration, and Cosmetology.
According to her, the objectives of the training are to provide participants with practical, hands-on skills to reduce unemployment, create pathways to self-employment and promote income generation. She added that the participants would be empowered to establish and manage their own businesses upon completion of the training.
In her welcome address, the Zonal Coordinator, NAOWA 4 Brigade Chapter, Mrs Mariam Aina Balogun, expressed profound gratitude to the President of Ocean Wave Group, for his decision to collaborate with NAOWA.
She described the training, themed “Skills for Income,” as timely and commendable, noting that the skills were carefully selected based on current market demands and their potential to generate sustainable income. Mrs Balogun urged the participants to approach the training with commitment, discipline and seriousness, stressing that the knowledge acquired should be channelled towards establishing businesses, supporting their families and creating employment opportunities for others.
She disclosed that NAOWA was founded on the tripod of charity, welfare and employment, noting that the programme directly addressed the third pillar.
“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. The NAOWA Zonal Coordinator also commended the Commander, 4 Brigade, for his unwavering support for NAOWA programmes and for creating an enabling environment for the association to fulfil its mandate of improving the welfare of women and children within the barracks.
In his remarks, the Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, expressed appreciation to the President of Ocean Wave Group and NAOWA for the collaboration, describing the initiative as timely and impactful. He urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity to acquire new skills, improve themselves and make meaningful contributions to their families’ income. The Commander also assured the participants of his continued support for programmes that have a direct and positive impact on the living conditions and welfare of women and children in the barracks.
The event was attended by the State Director, National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mr Cletus Uwadia; Commander, 4 Brigade Garrison, Lieutenant Colonel AB Balal; and the Commanding Officer, 322 Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel KB Adeyemi, among other dignitaries. Highlights of the event included a drama presentation by the beneficiaries, a guided tour of various departments at the skill acquisition centre, and group photographs.
