The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) has called on the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi to sensitize both indigenes and non-indigenes in his domain on the need to get their wives engaged in order to enable them contribute their quotes to the development of their families and Ikorodu division.
While making the call on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at the Ayangbure Palace, when the Association paid a courtesy visit to the monarch, the NAOWA President, 81 Division chapter, Mrs. Omotola Oyefolu, said that they were using this medium to appeal to His Royal Majesty to get the message across to his subjects to get their wives usefully engaged. She disclosed that the association, which is a non-governmental one, was committed to uplifting the academic, social and economic lives of the less privileged in the society, especially the Barracks communities and their environs.
She said that in line with this, the association providing a platform for adult-education programmes in some locations within eighty one (81) division area of responsibility. She affirmed that the programme was one of the best projects of her administration, which has already commenced at 192 Battalion, Owode, while another one would soon take place at Dodan Barracks, Obalende.
Mrs. Oyefolu also highlighted other projects, which the association intends to embark on. They include, the upgrading of facilities in NAOWA’s Crèche and Nursery school, and the establishment of vocational centres for the less-privileged, especially widows, Orphaned, in Barrack communities and the environs. She concluded her address by saying: “Sir, we kindly request His Royal Majesty to oblige us your support and assistance whenever they are needed.”
In his response, Oba Shotobi commended the efforts of the association in uplifting the lives of women folks within the Barrack communities and their environs. He praised the president and members of NAOWA for their love for Ikorodu, which prompted the visit.
He also stated that with the programmes and the visit of NAOWA to his palace, it was clear that the soldiers are also human beings, who live normal lives as well. According to him, wrong perception about them should henceforth begin to change because soldiers are not enemies or wicked people. The monarch pledged his support and that of the people of Ikorodu for the association. He also assured them that his Olori, Alhaja Kudirat Shotobi would support them, and the market women would join the adult education programme of NAOWA.
After the vote of thanks rendered by the Iya Oloja-General, Ikorodu division, Alhaja Taofikat Allison, and the presentation of gifts to the visitors by Olori Shotobi and market men and women association, photograph session ended the remarkable visit.
Those among the visitors included, Omotola Oyefolu, NAOWA President; Mary Briggs, Adviser; Lola Adekola, PRO, Ikoyi Zone; Ituen Sandra, Chief Whip; Abore Faith, Secretary, 81 Division; Udofot Mary E, PRO 81 Division; Miebaike Blessing; Adenegan Kofoworola; Olarenwaju Taiwo, and Oko Rosemary.