International Women’s Day: 7 Division NAOWA Provided Food Items to Families Of Slain Troops

International Women’s Day:  7 Division NAOWA Provided Food Items to Families of Slain Troops

By Madu Mohammed, Maiduguri

The 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, chapter of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), has presented food items to the families of 40 soldiers who were killed in the fight against insurgency in the Northeast, in order to reduce hardship they faced as a result of the food and economic crisis the Nation is facing and also in continuation of the activities to mark international Women’s Day, 2024.

While addressing shortly after presenting the food items to the family of the slain soldiers at the NAOWA Secretariat, Maiduguri on Friday, the Chairperson of the 7 Division, NAOWA, Hajita Aisha Haruna said ” the gesture is to put smile on the faces of the families of our troops killed as a result of the fight against Boko Haram as we celebrate International Women’s Day”.

Each of the 40 widows were presented with 1 bag of 25kg rice, 1 cartoon of superghetti and a 5 litre of cooking oil.

” The event which part of activities to mark international Women’s Day is also to show to the families of slain soldiers that we are still with them and to appreciate the sacrifices their husbands made to keep our nation in peace,” Mrs Haruna said.

The NAOWA chairperson said ” I am highly delighted to welcome you all to this auspicious occasion in commemoration of the 2024 International Women’s Day Celebration. This is a special day that has been set aside by the international community to celebrate the remarkable role and achievements of women around the world for their impact in the social, economic, cultural and political landscape in the development of human endeavor and contribution to societal values globally”

She said that the International Women’s Day is a unique day where the world stand still to recognize, appreciate and sing the songs of praise in a dynamic movement in respect of all women for their quest for global peaceful and coexistence, adding that and also to address the gender gaps towards creating an enabling society where women have equal opportunities and platforms to participate in all aspects of human endeavor.

“This special day no doubt serves as an avenue used to create massive awareness regarding issues affecting the womenfolk. Issues such as gender-based violence, child marriage, discrimination and other numerous challenges experienced in getting better and quality education, economic opportunities, good health care to mention but a few., The NAOWA chairperson added

He further said ” the Theme for this year’s global celebration is tagged “Inspire Inclusion”, it is a clarion call to action which necessitated the need to bridge the glaring gaps by creating more prospects and enabling ground for women.Additionally, it is worthy to also state that this day create more awareness and emphasized the importance of providing an environment where women are empowered by taking up more responsibilities far above their traditional and cultural roles hitherto determined by the society.”

Hajiya Aishat also said As part of activities lined up to celebrate the occasion, the NAOWA visited the sick and wounded troops at the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital and to commiserate with the injured, we also remembered their families of those who paid the supreme sacrifices by reaching out to their widows in Maimalari Cantonment and those under 7 Division.”

She commended the President of NAOWA, Mrs Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja for her leadership capabilities and drive in piloting the affairs of the Association.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen, one of the benefiting widows, Aishatu Ibraahim said ” we sincerely want to thank the NAOWA chairperson for the gesture, this will go a long way in reducing the hardship we faced as a result of the current economic hardship.

” Such gesture always reminds us that the barrack community is still us..it also rekindle our hope that we and children have a bread winner in absence of our husbands”, she added.