NAFOWA empowers 125 women with agro skills
By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Air Force Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA) has trained wives of officers and airmen numbering 125 in different skills in agriculture from its Skills Acquisition and Vocational Training Programme.
The President of NAFOWA, Dr Rakiya Abubakar, during the graduation of the beneficiaries on Tuesday, said the skills acquired included food processing, branding, packaging and pastry.
Abubakar said NAFOWA decided to embark on a more advanced vocation to make the beneficiaries keep up with the trend of development.
She said this was with a view to liberate them and enable them compete favorably with entrepreneurs in the contemporary global space.
According to her, it is on this premise that NAFOWA contracted renowned and certified trainers and experts to engage and educate them in food processing, branding, packaging and pastry.
Abubakar added that it was in furtherance of the Nigerian First Lady’s vision of self-sustenance and healthy living through agriculture and urban farming.
”During the course of this training, when I went around, I saw participants who were with so much enthusiasm to learn, and with so much willingness to do things differently.
”I am particularly elated seeing that all the planning, interactions and execution have come together to bring about an empowerment of 125 graduates of skill acquisition programme.
”A dream of empowering hands that nurture the hearts that are constant in prayers and the backbone of the gallant men of valor of the NAF,” she said.
The NAFOWA president said the graduation was also to commemorate her one year in office.
She urged the beneficiaries to keep improving on the knowledge garnered and make their families, NAFOWA and the nation proud.
Abubakar said the event also featured the unveiling of the special edition of the Mothers’ Voice Magazine which would serve as a platform of expression for Air Force officers’ wives.
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, congratulated the beneficiaries of the skill acquisition programme for their dedication, hard work and perseverance.
Abubakar was represented by the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, AVM Pius Oahimire.
The CAS said the skills acquired were not just a means to livelihood but tools that would empower them to support their families and contribute towards the nation’s socio-economic development.
“I enjoin you to take advantage of the opportunities and skills you have acquired to go all out to be the best, embrace creativity and innovation to enable your products stand out as you face the challenges in your areas of expertise.”
He commended the NAFOWA President for her commitment to adding value to the lives of the spouses, widows and wards of NAF personnel.
“This gesture aligns with the motto of NAFOWA, which is service to humanity and an example of how to empower individuals through education and training while fostering economic independence and self-sufficiency.
”It is through programmes such as this that we as a nation can ensure our communities remain resilient, innovative and forward-looking to enable us confront our various economic challenges.
”It is also gratifying to see the ease with which the NAFOWA leadership mobilises and organises our women for their skills acquisition programmes.
”This no doubt aligns with a recent Harvard Business School review which noted that there is power in sisterhood and that women who support other women and surround themselves with women who inspire them are more likely to be successful in business,” Abubakar said.
The Chief of Air Staff also commended the association on the unveiling of the 2024 special edition of the Mothers’ Voice magazine.
“The magazine has over the years served as a veritable tool for sharing stories, knowledge and experiences which actually resonate with our womenfolk, as well as the less privileged in our community.”
He announced the donation of two new vehicles —- a 29 -seater Coaster bus and an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus —- to ease mobility challenges and enable NAFOWA perform more.
Mrs Susan Ogohi, Chairperson, 2024 Skills Acquisition Programme of NAFOWA, thanked the CAS for his unwavering support to the association for it to be able to deliver the programme.
She also thanked the NAFOWA President for her visionary leadership in empowering NAF women to enhance their economic and entrepreneural potential.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
(Edited by Deborah Coker/Sadiya Hamza)
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