NAFOWA trains, empowers 150 person in Lagos

In its bid to empower women and the youths in the society, as well as reduce crime to the barest minimum, the Nigerian Air force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) has trained and equipped 150 persons in various vocations in Lagos.

At the graduation ceremony for the beneficiaries of the four month skills acquisition and vocational training program held at the Sam Ethan Air force Base Gymnasium Hall Ikeja Lagos, on Thursday 27th April 2017, the 150 graduate were gifted with start up kits for their various speciality.

The National President of NAFOWA and wife of the Chief of Air Staff, Hajiya Hafsat Sadique Abubakar who was present at the occasion said the training which included hair dressing, catering, computer studies, tailoring and textile management cinematography, soap making amongst others was initiated to help deal with the lingering issue of unemployment in the country.

According to her, “our Association as part of its community service obligation developed a skills acquisition and vocational training program targeted at women, Widows and youths in the barracks and the surrounding communities. This was done as part of our contribution at complementing the Federal government’s effort at curbing unemployment amongst youths.

“There was also the need to build capacity amongst our youth and women by empowering them with necessary skills to make them self reliant and able to cater for themselves in a changing economy. This program also catered for Widows especially those who lost their husbands in the campaign against insurgency in the north eastern part of Nigeria.”

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who also graced the occasion thanked NAFOWA for the initiative. He noted that the program had contributed immensely to the development of the society and ensuring that we are successful in the fight against terrorism.

He said, “Even though you are not with us in the battle front carrying riffles and flying helicopters and fighter aircrafts but I want to tell you thank you for what you are doing is positively impacting on the operations we are conducting all over the country.

You have done so much in terms of supporting internally displaced persons in the north east. I also understand you conducted similar skill training programme in Murkurdi, Kano, Maduguri and today you are here in Lagos and I also understand you are planning to be in Port Harcourt. I don’t think we have had this kind of support in the past.

“This programme is very significant because it is a way of providing for the welfare of officers, airmen and women of the Nigerian Air Force. Like we know, the human being is the most important resource. You can have all the aircrafts, bombs, rockets if the human being isn’t there to do what he is supposed to do, you will not get the desired result.

“So this programme which is targeting youths in the barracks, Widows, orphans is something that is playing a very important role maybe a greater role than the fact fighter pilot flying the aircraft to drop bombs in terrorists. With this kind of programme, we get less distractions, officers and men deployed to the north east knowing fully well that their wards are been taken care of and even their wards are been given some skills in addition to providing for their school needs Wil make them concentrate and do the job and that will translate into effectiveness in our operations.”

He however advised the graduate to take full advantage of the opportunity given to them and see how they can add value to the society.

The wife of the Lagos State Governor and the Special guest of honour at the occasion Mrs. Balanle Patience Ambode said such training and empowerment brings stability into the lives of many as well as the multiplier effect.

He said, “We cannot shy away from the fact that our country is still struggling with issues of unemployment and under employment, despite determined efforts by governments at all levels.

“The best thing that can happen to our youths and others in need of jobs is a programme like this, that brings succour and hope of sustainable engagement for regular income. Gainful employment is not limited to wage-paying jobs alone. Skill acquired that guarantee regular income are also good employment types. In many cases, some skills bring more financial rewards depending on the commitment and enterprise of the individual.

“Generally too, a personal business gives you the leverage to dictate your pace of Operation, ensuring ample time and financial freedom for the entrepreneur. In the light of all these, being empowered with a skill is a great opportunity, capable of transforming the life of anyone.

“I’m particularly impressed with the vision of NAFOWA, which centres around making life more meaningful for the less privilege, especially women and children. This is a commendable commitment to the cause of humanity.” She said.

She also appealed to the beneficiaries themselves to see this as a golden opportunity to turn things around for their own permanent good and lasting enjoyment.