The National President of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association, Hajiya Aisha Abbas, has pledged welfare support for naval families and deeper collaboration with the Nigerian Navy authorities. NOWA President, Aisha Abbas. Photo: NOWA
- +Group pledges support for naval families
She made the pledge on Thursday during visits to the Western Naval Command and Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft in Lagos.
She made the pledge on Thursday during visits to the Western Naval Command and Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft in Lagos.
The visit to the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, at the Naval Base, Apapa, was attended by senior officers, their spouses and stakeholders, in a move aimed at strengthening institutional cohesion, welfare coordination and operational support systems across the command.
In her remarks, Abbas expressed appreciation to Mustapha and his team for the reception, describing the visit as part of efforts to consolidate existing relationships and deepen support structures for naval families.
She said, “We recognise the relentless dedication and sacrifices that the personnel of this command make in safeguarding our nation’s maritime interests.
“Your commitment to excellence and service is commendable. We remain resolute in supporting the families of our personnel, recognising the vital role they play in upholding the spirit of unity and resilience within the naval community.
Abbas reiterated that NOWA remained focused on building a strong support network that promotes unity, resilience and development within the naval community despite its non-governmental status and limited resources.
She also appealed for sustained collaboration and support from naval authorities to enable the association expand its impact across commands and formations.
The naval wives’ leader lauded the dedication and sacrifices of naval personnel in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests, reaffirming the association’s commitment to improving the welfare and well-being of officers’ families.
In his welcome address, Mustapha described Abbas as “the mother of the Nigerian Navy.”
He commended her leadership and commitment to advancing the welfare of naval families nationwide.
Mustapha noted that the Western Naval Command remained focused on securing the country’s maritime domain and protecting critical national assets through a framework aligned with the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
He disclosed that the command’s operational strategy is driven by a “Four D Doctrine” focused on detecting, deterring, disrupting and denying criminal activities within the maritime environment.
The Flag Officer Commanding said the command had intensified patrols by deploying smaller vessels across Lagos creeks and lagoon corridors, particularly around Badagry and adjoining waterways, to block smuggling routes and eliminate security blind spots.
Mustapha added that the command had leveraged maritime surveillance technologies, including the Falcon Eye system and regional maritime awareness capabilities, to enhance intelligence-driven operations.
He further acknowledged NOWA’s role as a key enabler of operational success, stressing that stability at home directly affects effectiveness at sea.
“An unstable home front would not translate to effectiveness at sea. The support from NOWA has contributed significantly to our ability to carry out our mandate,” he said.
He commended the association’s interventions in education, healthcare and vocational empowerment, recalling past initiatives that provided skills acquisition opportunities for naval spouses and improved economic resilience.
