The President, Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Dr Safiyya Hassan Shaibu has commissioned newly constructed educational and welfare facilities at Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks and Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja. The projects include crèche, nursery school, market stalls, perimeter fence, playground and renovated restrooms.
A statement signed by Bashir Muhammad Jajira Acting Deputy Director Army Headquarters Garrison Public Relations said commissioning the project, Mrs Shaibu described the projects as strategic investments in the welfare, education and well-being of Nigerian Army families. She averred that the initiatives reflect NAOWA’s vision of building a united and innovative organization committed to empowering military families through self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
President NAOWA stated that the newly constructed crèche and nursery school would provide a safe, conducive, and stimulating environment for the care and early education of children, stressing that quality education begins with a solid foundation in the formative years. She added that the market stalls would boost entrepreneurship within the barracks community, while the renovated toilets, perimeter fence, and playground would improve sanitation, security, and recreation for staff and pupils of Army Day Secondary School.
She commended the Coordinator, AHQ Garrison NAOWA Chapter, Mrs Dorathy Maxwell Dangana, and members of the Chapter for their commitment, dedication, and vision in successfully executing the projects. She also expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his unwavering support toward the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel and their families. Mrs Shuaibu also appreciated Maj Gen. Maxwell Dangana, Commander AHQ Garrison for supporting the NAOWA AHQ Garrison Chapter, urged beneficiaries to maintain the facilities for future use and encouraged other NAOWA chapters nationwide to implement people-centered projects for military families and host communities.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Coordinator, NAOWA AHQ Garrison Chapter, Mrs Dorathy Maxwell Dangana, described the occasion as a significant milestone in the Association’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian Army families. She explained that the newly constructed school, designed to accommodate about 70 pupils, comprises a crèche, playgroup, pre-nursery and nursery sections, as well as a sick bay, store, proposed inverter room and a fully equipped children’s playground.
Mrs. Dangana said the new projects at Army Day Secondary School, Mogadishu Cantonment, would improve safety, sanitation, entrepreneurship and learning conditions. She express gratitude to the COAS for supporting NAOWA and extolled the NAOWA President’s leadership. She also appreciated her husband, commander AHQ Garrison, Maj Gen Maxwell Dangana, past coordinators of NAOWA AHQ Garrison chapter, the executive committee, contractors and other stakeholders for their support.
Giving an overview of the project, the Project Manager, Mr Ayodele Salako, disclosed that construction commenced on 20 February 2026 and was completed within schedule and budget. He explained that the facility was conceived to provide a modern and secure learning environment for young children, featuring four classrooms, a crèche, playgroup, preschool and nursery sections, a sick bay and an interactive outdoor playground. He affirmed that all facilities had been tested and were fully operational in line with the highest safety and educational standards.
In her vote of thanks, the Deputy Coordinator, NAOWA AHQ Garrison Chapter Mrs Adama Gambo, expressed appreciation to the NAOWA President for her exemplary leadership and commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian Army families through education, women empowerment and community development. She also thanked the Commander AHQ Garrison, distinguished guests, senior officers, members of NAOWA, partners and all stakeholders whose support made the projects a reality.
Highlight of the event included tour of the facilities, cutting of ribbons and unveiling of the newly built projects, presentation of souvenirs, vote of thanks as well as group photographs.
