The outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Nigerian Army Major General Aminu Chinade has yesterday 11 July 2023 commissioned the 14 Brigade Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) Vocational Training Centre, Ohafia.
The Vocational Training Centre was initiated by the Coordinator 14 Brigade Mrs Nneka Shirley Adetuyi, constructed by the Commander 14 Brigade, Brigadier General Adegoke Adetuyi, who is also on the verge handing over to his successor as he is also posted to another Army formation.
Mrs Adetuyi, in her introduction of the project to the GOC, stated that the idea of having the vocational training centre was borne out of her desire to empower the barracks women and youths. She narrated that on her assumption of office as the Coordinator 14 Bde NAOWA, she realised that many of the personnel’s wives were not excited about the barracks as there were little or nothing for them to do, especially due to the rural location of the Barracks. That brought about the need for a skill acquisition centre where the women could acquire entrepreneurial skills that would add values to their lives as they support their husbands, and get the youths productively angaged thus reducing vices in the barracks.
The GOC appreciated the Coordinator for the laudable project, which is a positive legacy that would not be forgotten, as it is meant to serve humanity in general. He, however, enjoined the users to make the best use of the facility, as enormous resources have been put into the construction, all for their own benefits.
General Chinade also commented on the good relationship between members of NAOWA and the Nigerian Army Soldiers Wives Association (NASWA) as observed in their conduct of activities in the barracks. He enjoined them to keep such harmonious relationship in order to continue to jointly enhance the performance of their husbands in their job.
The GOC also used the opportunity to deliver his farewell address to troops in the Brigade. He urged them to remain steadfast and resolute in the discharge of their duties professionally. Adding that the troops conducted themselves well during the 2023 General elections in ensuring peace before, during and after the Elections, stating that the peaceful conduct of the elections in the face of threats by some criminal elements in the South East Geopolitical Zone was as a result of their professionalism and doggedness throughout the period up till now.
General Chinade also extended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Major General Taoreed Lagbaja’s goodwill message, which he reiterated that troops should always remain disciplined, dedicated and committed to their duty at all times, while adding that discipline is the bedrock of the military, and will not be compromised at any level.
The Commander 14 Brigade Brigadier General Adetuyi in his vote of thanks appreciated the honour to have the GOC personally come to commission the 14 Brigade NAOWA Vocational Training Center despite his tight schedule as he prepares to handover soon. He thanked the GOC for his guidance and purposeful leadership during the period of his command in the Division. He mentioned that the GOC has always been a tutor and this was brought to bear during his tour of duty in 82 Division.
Highlights of the visit were the inspection of the Quarter Guard, commissioning of the NAOWA Vocational Training Centre, GOC’s farewell address to officers and men of 14 Brigade, presentation of sourvenir by the Brigade Commander and group photograph. The event was hitch free.
