100 Barracks Women, Youths Begin Entrepreneurship Training as NAOWA, Ocean Wave Group Launch Skills Programme

The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 4 Brigade Chapter, in partnership with the Ocean Wave Group, has launched a two-month skills acquisition programme aimed at empowering 100 women and youths residing in the Ekehuan Military Cantonment, Benin City, Edo State.

The training programme, officially inaugurated on Thursday at the NAOWA Skills Acquisition Centre, is designed to equip participants with practical vocational skills that will promote self-employment, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

Speaking during the inauguration, President of Ocean Wave Group, Mr. Peter Omoh Dunia, represented by Hon. Abibat Yakubu, said the training commenced on July 13, 2026, and covers seven vocational areas: Advanced Tailoring and Crafts, Catering,

Hairdressing, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Photography and Videography, Event Decoration, and Cosmetology.

She explained that the initiative seeks to reduce unemployment by providing participants with marketable skills that will enable them to establish sustainable businesses and generate income after completing the programme.

In her welcome address, the Zonal Coordinator of NAOWA 4 Brigade Chapter, Mrs. Mariam Aina Balogun, described the partnership with Ocean Wave Group as a significant step toward improving the welfare of military families through economic empowerment.

Speaking on the programme’s theme, “Skills for Income,” Mrs. Balogun noted that the selected vocational courses were carefully chosen to reflect current market demands and provide beneficiaries with viable income-generating opportunities.

She urged participants to remain committed and disciplined throughout the training, stressing that the acquired skills should be used to establish businesses, support their families and create employment opportunities for others.

Mrs. Balogun stated that NAOWA was founded on the principles of charity, welfare and employment, noting that the programme aligns with the association’s commitment to promoting economic self-reliance among women and youths.

“We believe that when we empower a woman, we empower a home. When we empower a youth, we secure the future. And when we empower families within the barracks, we strengthen the morale and welfare of our troops,” she said.

She also commended the Commander of 4 Brigade for his continued support in creating an enabling environment for NAOWA to implement programmes that enhance the welfare of women and children in military communities.

In his remarks, the Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, praised the collaboration between NAOWA and the Ocean Wave Group, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.

He encouraged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity to acquire valuable vocational skills that would improve their livelihoods and contribute positively to their families’ economic well-being.

The Brigade Commander reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that improve the welfare and living conditions of women, children and families within the barracks.

The event attracted several dignitaries, including the Edo State Director of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mr. Cletus Uwadia; Commander, 4 Brigade Garrison, Lieutenant Colonel A.B. Balal; and Commanding Officer, 322 Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel K.B. Adeyemi.

Highlights of the ceremony included a drama presentation by beneficiaries, a guided tour of the NAOWA Skills Acquisition Centre and group photographs.