By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) has launched the NAOWA Multipurpose Cooperative Society (NMCS), a major economic empowerment initiative designed to strengthen financial stability, support entrepreneurship and enhance the welfare of members across the country. The cooperative was formally unveiled at a ceremony graced by past and present NAOWA leaders, sister organisations, government representatives and development partners.
Speaking at the launch, the President of NAOWA, Mrs. Safiyyah Shaibu, described the event as an important and historic milestone for the Association and paid glowing tribute to her predecessor, now President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Rena Oluyode, who conceived, initiated and built the structure of the cooperative. She noted that everything commissioned at the ceremony was the direct result of Mrs. Oluyode’s foresight, dedication and outstanding leadership, adding that it was only fitting that she had the honour of performing the launch.
Mrs. Shaibu stated that the new cooperative society stands as a significant addition to NAOWA’s longstanding commitment to the welfare of officers’ wives, young entrepreneurs and widows of fallen heroes. According to her, the NMCS will provide a structured platform for savings, access to credit facilities and support to households and small businesses. She explained that the cooperative was established to strengthen members economically, promote financial stability and build self-reliance across NAOWA communities. She also expressed deep appreciation to sister associations including DEPOWA, NAFOWA, NOWA, OWA and MOA for honouring NAOWA with their presence, describing their solidarity as evidence of the unity women across the Armed Forces continue to demonstrate in support of national peace and security.
The NAOWA President reserved special recognition for Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, whose presence she said meant a great deal to the association. She further commended the resource person for the launch, Dr. Kayode Akinade, and members of the Cooperative Management Committee for their expertise, guidance and hard work in bringing the vision to life. She extended heartfelt appreciation to all past NAOWA Presidents for the strong foundation they laid, describing them as respected pillars whose shoulders the Association proudly stands upon. Mrs. Shaibu reaffirmed NAOWA’s commitment to ensuring that the cooperative operates with transparency, accountability and remains a dependable platform for all members.
Also speaking at the launching ceremony, Mrs. Eyotoyosi Sonibare of the Executive Committee of the NAOWA Multipurpose Cooperative Society said the initiative was born from a simple idea seven months earlier and had now grown into a full-fledged institution that reflects the resilience, determination and collective spirit of NAOWA women. She noted that the cooperative was created as a platform for transformational growth, enabling members to build stronger and more sustainable livelihoods through agriculture, trading, manufacturing, real estate and other productive ventures. She emphasised that the mission of the cooperative is to ease access to funding, promote business expansion, support property investment and enhance capacity through training and strategic partnerships.
Mrs. Sonibare described the cooperative as a reliable partner that is intentional in delivering efficient services, prioritising member welfare and promoting economic empowerment through digitally powered systems and enterprise-driven solutions. She explained that the cooperative’s structure as a national primary cooperative society ensures effective operation across the six geopolitical zones and the FCT, allowing members to receive services within close proximity. She stressed that empowerment is at the heart of the initiative, helping women become more financially independent and better positioned to support their families and communities. She reaffirmed the NMCS Executive Committee’s pledge that the cooperative belongs to all members and that every contribution matters, adding that the vision is to create a legacy that will outlive the present leadership and set a new standard for other organisations to follow.
Delivering a lecture titled “Creative Society: A Drive for Financial Empowerment and Resilience,” the resource person, Mr. Kayode Akinadinade, commended NAOWA for championing a transformative initiative at a time when cooperative structures across the world have proven to be formidable tools for economic development, especially for women. He said that mothers are the bedrock of nations, and the strength of the armed forces is greatly supported by their sacrifices, prayers and resilience. He outlined global evidence showing that well-managed cooperatives increase household income, improve savings, offer affordable access to credit, reduce vulnerability to financial shocks and strengthen unity, accountability and community resilience.
Mr. Akinade highlighted the unique qualities of the NAOWA Cooperative, stressing that it stands out because it is built on trust, backed by strong leadership, guided by clearly defined goals and positioned for long-term sustainability. He underscored the importance of a strong culture of savings, responsible credit administration, disciplined loan recovery systems and investment in profitable ventures. He encouraged NAOWA to adopt microfinance best practices and partner with reputable development institutions to generate returns and expand opportunities for members. He also emphasised the need for financial literacy, governance, transparency, digitisation, effective record-keeping and collaboration with relevant agencies. Drawing lessons from the MicroBiz Women Empowerment Programme, which has empowered more than 10,000 women through structured training and credit systems with repayment rates as high as 95 percent, he expressed confidence that NAOWA’s cooperative could achieve even greater results.
The resource person predicted a future where members of the cooperative enjoy easier access to credit, stronger financial security, profitable investments, real support for vulnerable families and the establishment of successful businesses owned by the cooperative itself. He described the launch as the beginning of a new chapter in which NAOWA women take charge of their financial future, build stronger households and strengthen their communities. He congratulated the leadership of NAOWA for the bold initiative and encouraged members to participate faithfully, concluding with the inspiring words, “Together we try; together we grow.”
The launch ceremony ended with renewed optimism as members, guests and dignitaries expressed confidence that the NAOWA Multipurpose Cooperative Society would set a new benchmark for empowerment, economic development and sustainable support for military families across the nation.
