The Nigerian Defence Academy Officers’ Wives Association (NDAOWA) marked the 2025 International Women’s Day on 8 March ,2025, with a community service initiative at the Nigerian Defence Academy Primary School in Afaka. This year’s celebration aligned with the global theme: “Accelerating Action for Women’s Equality,” reinforcing NDAOWA’s commitment to empowering women and promoting gender equality.
To commemorate the day, NDAOWA members engaged in a clean-up drive aimed at beautifying public spaces and promoting environmental sustainability within Afaka. This initiative underscores the association’s dedication to community development and collective responsibility.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of NDAOWA, Mrs Ruth Ochai, represented by the Deputy Coordinator, Mrs Hadiza Abdulkadir, highlighted the significance of International Women’s Day.
“Today, NDAOWA joins the world in recognizing the strength, resilience, and contributions of women—especially the wives of our military personnel, who form the backbone of our families and communities. We are proud to commemorate this day through community service, reflecting our belief that actions speak louder than words.”
Mrs Abdulkadir further emphasized NDAOWA’s broader role in society, stating that the association is more than just a support group for military wives; its members are community builders, volunteers, and change-makers.
“Through initiatives like this, we reaffirm our commitment to service. Beyond environmental protection, NDAOWA reaches out to those in need by organizing skill acquisition workshops for women, supporting widows, donating to orphanages, and improving local schools and healthcare centers. These acts of kindness define who we are,” she added.
In his remarks, the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Major General JO Ochai, commended NDAOWA for its impactful initiative. He reiterated the academy’s commitment to gender equality and ensuring that young girls have the opportunity to aspire to and achieve their full potential.
“NDA recognizes the need for gender equality and continues to create opportunities for female cadets to excel. As a symbol of our commitment, we have appointed the first female Dean of School of Postgraduate Studies at the academy,” he announced.
He further encouraged women to keep striving for greatness, urging them to invest in their daughters’ education and personal development.
“Ensure your daughters are well-trained. Let them build capacity and aspire to reach the highest levels in whatever field they choose,” he advised.
By engaging in community service, NDAOWA inspires others to take action towards gender equality and women’s empowerment. Their efforts contribute to the global movement that celebrates women’s achievements and challenges societal biases.
Through service, advocacy, and support, NDAOWA continues to be a pillar of strength in both military and civilian communities, ensuring that the voices and contributions of women are recognized, valued, and celebrated.
