Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, has promised to continue to prioritise welfare and well-being of officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy and their families.
Gambo gave the assurance while inaugurating the Naval Officers Wives’ Association (NOWA) Shopping Complex at the Navy Barracks in Kuje Abuja, on Friday.
He also inaugurated the administrative building of the NOWA College at the barracks.
The CNS commended the NOWA President, Hajia Nana Gambo and members of her team for their foresight and commitment to supporting the service in addressing the welfare needs of personnel and their families.
He said the association had done so well in making significant impact on the wellbeing of the service and the wider society across the country.
According to him, notable among these, is the ongoing construction of a 200-bed capacity NOWA Women and Children Green Smart Hospital that commenced in June 2022 and the groundbreaking of NOWA Event Centre in Asokoro.
The naval chief said the shopping complex would enhance comfort and economic activities of the barracks community and its environs.
He urged the barrack community to take ownership of the structure and ensure proper maintenance of the complex for the benefit of all.
“Pertinently, various welfare projects of NOWA are enduring legacies, which have endeared the leadership of the association to well-meaning and good spirited individuals across Nigeria, especially as a key contributor to national development.
“I also avail this opportunity to pledge my continued support to collaborate and partner with the association for nation building, towards national prosperity,” he said.
In her remarks, the President of NOWA, Hajia Nana Gambo, said the event was another giant stride by the association in promoting commerce for the growth and development of Kuje and its environs.
She said that the shopping complex was built to enhance economic activities in the area and for the comfort of personnel.
She appreciated the naval chief for his unflinching support for NOWAS to achieve its mandate.
Also, the President, Nigerian Army Officers Wives’ Association (NAOWA), Mrs Salamatu Yahaya, commended the leadership of NOWA for establishing life impacting projects.
Yahaya said the complex would to improve socio-economic activities in the community and advised them to adequately maintain the facility.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria