By Sumaila Ogbaje
The New President of the Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA), Hajiya Aisha Abbas, has pledged to strengthen unity, empowerment, and expand community service initiatives within the naval family.
Abbas made the pledge while taking over the leadership of NOWA from the outgone President of the association, Mrs Ijeoma Ogalla, on Monday in Abuja.
The handing over was performed by the outgone Vice President, Amb. Zainab Akpan, on behalf of Ogalla.
The new president expressed gratitude to Almighty God and lauded her predecessor for her “exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication, and tireless service” which, she said, propelled the association to greater heights.
She described her appointment as a divine privilege made possible through the elevation of her husband, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, as Chief of Naval Staff by President Bola Tinubu.
“Our role as naval officers’ wives is to provide robust support that ensures the well-being and welfare of our members and their families.
“We will champion initiatives that empower and uplift our members, enhance their skills and promote their well-being,” she said.
Abbas emphasised that her administration would prioritise community engagement and social responsibility through strategic partnerships and outreach programmes targeting education, healthcare, and sustainable development.
She expressed firm believe that the success of NOWA lies in the collective efforts of every member.
“Each one of us is indispensable to shaping the future of our association.
“United in purpose, we can achieve greatness and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come,” she added.
In her valedictory address, the outgone Vice President, Akpan, thanked Almighty God and the entire NOWA family for their support throughout her tenure, describing her years in service as “one of the greatest honours” of her life.
She said that NOWA had, under the outgoing leadership, recorded tremendous progress in promoting the welfare of naval families and touching the lives of the wider public through education and humanitarian initiatives.
She paid glowing tributes to members of the executive, zonal coordinators, and directors for their “unwavering commitment,” and expressed confidence that the new leadership would steer the association to even greater heights.
“To the incoming National President, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. I am confident that your leadership, guided by wisdom, compassion, and vision, will steer this association to even greater heights,” she said.
The event, which drew attendance from naval officers’ spouses and members of the Naval Ratings Wives Association (NARAWA), was marked by heartfelt tributes, prayers, and renewed pledges of loyalty to the ideals of service, unity, and compassion that define NOWA. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
