By Deborah Akpede
The Military and Paramilitary Officers’ Wives Associations and SHE Safety and Health Initiative (SSHI), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), have joined hands to promote women’s health, safety, and empowerment across Nigeria.
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SSHI, Mrs Mabel Abel-Onaiwu, said this in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos.
The military and paramilitary associations are the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, the Nigerian Navy Officers’ Wives Association and the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association.
Others are the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre Officers’ Wives Association and the Police Officers’ Wives Association.
She said the partnership marks a new phase in women-led transformation in safety and health.
“Our partnership with the military and police officers’ wives associations reflects a shared vision to see women rise as leaders in safety, advocates for health, and ambassadors of resilience.
“We are merging discipline with compassion, and training with transformation,” she said.
Abel-Onaiwu said the event with the theme: “Empowering Her Health, Elevating Her Safety, Amplifying Her Voice,” would be showcased during the SHE Summit on Nov. 3 to Nov. 8.
The founder said the six-day summit would hold its Gender and Safety Week 2025 across various military and police formations in the country on Nov. 3.
According to her, it is expected to reach more than 5,000 women and girls from the armed forces, police, and civil society.
She said the event would provide training on health, safety, leadership, and mentorship opportunities for participants.
Abel-Onaiwu said the summit would feature activities such as first aid, fire safety, and emergency response training; free breast and cervical cancer screening as well as leadership and mentorship forums.
Others are a nationwide awareness walk on women’s health and safety.
The founder said the programme would climax with the leadership summit, conference awards, and gala night at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Buhari Hall, Oshodi, Lagos.
She said 40 to 50 outstanding women leaders in health, safety, and humanitarian service would be recognised.
Abel-Onaiwu added that the event would witness the unveiling of the “SHE Pink Box Initiative”, a dignity and safety box designed for women and girls in schools, military, and civilian communities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SHE Summit 2025 aims to build safer families, stronger communities, and a healthier nation by empowering women to take the lead in health and safety advocacy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
