NAOWA, Ocean Wave Group Train 100 Barracks Women, Youths in Vocational Skills

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 4 Brigade Chapter, has partnered with Ocean Wave Group to provide vocational and entrepreneurial training for 100 women and youths at Ekehuan Military Cantonment in Benin City, Edo State.

The two-month skills acquisition programme, themed “Skills for Income,” was formally inaugurated on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the NAOWA Skills Acquisition Centre, although training commenced on July 13.

In a statement by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, the President of OceanWave Group, Peter Omoh Dunia, said the initiative was designed to equip beneficiaries with practical skills that could help reduce unemployment and create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

Dunia, who was represented at the event by Abibat Yakubu, said participants are receiving training in seven areas, including advanced tailoring and crafts, catering, hairdressing, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), photography and videography, event decoration, and cosmetology.

He said the programme would provide participants with hands-on knowledge to pursue self-employment, generate income and establish and manage their own businesses after completing the training.

Speaking at the event, the ZonalCoordinator of NAOWA, 4 Brigade Chapter, Mrs Mariam Aina Balogun, described the partnership as timely, noting that the vocational areas were selected based on current market demand and their potential to provide sustainable sources of income.

Balogun urged the beneficiaries to demonstrate discipline and commitment throughout the programme and put the skills acquired to productive use by establishing businesses, supporting their families and creating employment opportunities for others.

She said the initiative was consistent with NAOWA’s core objectives of charity, welfare and employment, stressing that economic empowerment of women and youths could contribute significantly to the welfare of military families.

“When we empower a woman, weempower 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 Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, also described the initiative as impactful and encouraged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity to acquire skills that could improve their economic circumstances.

He assured NAOWA and the participants of the Brigade’s continued support for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of women and children within the barracks community.

The event was attended by the Edo State Director of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Cletus Uwadia; Commander, 4 Brigade Garrison, Lieutenant Colonel A.B. Balal; Commanding Officer, 322 Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel K.B. Adeyemi; and other dignitaries.Activities at the inauguration included a drama presentation by beneficiaries, a tour of departments at the skills acquisition centre and group photographs.