NAOWA Inaugurates Crèche, Nursery School in Abuja

The President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association a(NAOWA), Dr. Safiyya Hassan Shaibu, has inaugurated newly completed educational and welfare projects at Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks and Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja, reaffirming the association’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian Army families.

The projects, inaugurated on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, include a crèche, nursery school, market stalls, perimeter fence, children’s playground and renovated restroom facilities.

Speaking during the inauguration, Dr. Shaibu described the projects as strategic investments aimed at enhancing the welfare, education and well-being of military families. She said the initiatives reflect NAOWA’s vision of building a united and innovative organisation that empowers military families through self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.

According to her, the newly built crèche and nursery school will provide a safe and conducive environment for the care and early education of children, noting that quality education begins with a solid foundation in the formative years.

She added that the market stalls would promote entrepreneurship within the barracks community, while the renovated restrooms, perimeter fence and playground would improve sanitation, security and recreational opportunities for staff and pupils of Army Day Secondary School.

Dr. Shaibu commended the Coordinator of the NAOWA Army Headquarters Garrison Chapter, Mrs. Dorathy Maxwell Dangana, and members of the chapter for successfully executing the projects. She also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his continued support for the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel and their families, as well as the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General Maxwell Dangana, for supporting the chapter’s initiatives.

She urged beneficiaries to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities and encouraged other NAOWA chapters across the country to embark on similar people-centred projects for military families and host communities.

In her welcome address, Mrs. Dangana described the commissioning as a major milestone in the association’s efforts to improve the welfare of Nigerian Army families. She disclosed that the newly constructed school, designed to accommodate about 70 pupils, consists of a crèche, playgroup, pre-nursery and nursery sections, a sick bay, store, proposed inverter room and a fully equipped children’s playground.

She said the additional projects at Army Day Secondary School, Mogadishu Cantonment, would enhance safety, sanitation, entrepreneurship and the overall learning environment. She thanked the Chief of Army Staff for his support to NAOWA and praised the leadership of the association’s president. She also acknowledged the contributions of the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, past coordinators of the chapter, the executive committee, contractors and other stakeholders.

Providing an overview of the projects, the Project Manager, Mr. Ayodele Salako, said construction commenced on February 20, 2026, and was completed on schedule and within budget. He noted that the facility comprises four classrooms, a crèche, playgroup, preschool and nursery sections, a sick bay and an interactive outdoor playground, adding that all facilities had been tested and met the required safety and educational standards.

In her vote of thanks, the Deputy Coordinator of the NAOWA Army Headquarters Garrison Chapter, Mrs. Adama Gambo, commended the NAOWA President for her leadership and commitment to promoting education, women empowerment and community development among military families.

The event featured the unveiling of the projects, a tour of the facilities, ribbon-cutting ceremony, presentation of souvenirs and group photographs.