Hajiya Nana Aisha Gambo and Her Day Out with Widows, Orphans of Fallen Heroes

The 21st indigenous National President of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association, Hajiya Nana Aisha Gambo, recently hosted the widows and orphans of fallen heroes. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that beyond this, the association, which was established some 56 years ago as a body that binds all wives of naval officers, complements the efforts of the Nigerian Navy in enhancing the welfare of the families of naval personnel in areas of education, charitable ventures, economic empowerment, health and social services, as well as sporting activities

They might not be dressed on the Mess on Dress uniform of Nigerian Navy (NN) officers, neither do they wield the guns or have access to the weaponry at the disposal of the navy but the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) are as every bit as important as their men.

The reason is not far fetched- they are the engine room that drives the service. From a small tea group that began in 1965, these women have become stronger and much more formidable, thus becoming pillars of their communities. They also thrive on touching the lives of their members by empowering them, the widows amongst them and orphans.

Foundation

NOWA came into being on November 30, 1965 under the leadership of Mrs. Anne Wey, wife of the first indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Joseph Edet Akinwale Wey of blessed memory. It started as a small ‘Tea Group’ for light-hearted discussion by wives of naval officers to kill boredom because of the regular absence of their husbands to sea, also as a forum of rendering assistance to wives of naval ratings in and out of the barracks. It was and still is a forum where social problems relating to the less privileged in the society are discussed and where contributions are made to assist the needy.

Functions of NOWA

Today, NOWA engages in a wide range of activities and these includes the provision of crèches in naval barracks and bases, establishment of schools and skill acquisitions centre, provision of market stalls as well as providing general welfare support to officers’ and ratings’ families.

These activities and projects serve to complement the efforts of the NN in enhancing the welfare of the families of naval personnel and they have impacted positively on the wellbeing of officers and ratings families alike.

Past Presidents

Past presidents of the body include Mrs. Ann Wey, Mrs. B Boroh, Mrs. Bisi Adelanwa, Mrs. Bekky Aduwo, Mrs. Rebecca Aikhomu, Mrs. Margret Koshoni, Mrs. Zainab Nyako, Mrs. Apollonian Omatsola, Mrs. Lola Saidu, Mrs. Uche Madueke, Dr. Josephine Akhigbe, Mrs. Jemilat Ayinla, Mrs. Betty Ombu, Mrs. Treasure Sam-Afolayan, Chief Mrs. Fatimat Adekeye, Mrs. Grace Ibrahim, Hajia Aminat Modupe Ibrahim, Mrs. Vivian Ezeoba, Mrs. Lami Jibrin and Barr Theresa Ibas, who handed over to the incumbent, Hajiya Nana Aisha Gambo.

Vision of Incumbent President

Upon assumption of office on February 27, 2021 as the 21st National President of NOWA, Hajiya Nana Aisha Gambo, pledged to sustain the giant strides recorded by her predecessors through educational development, capacity building, skill acquisition and provisions of support material to enable them add value to the society.

She also pledged to embark on innovative activities, events and projects that would continue to enhance and develop their capacity while ensuring that all NOWA Schools must continue to remain among the best in Nigeria.

Day Out With Widows and Orphans

Started under the leadership of the then NOWA President, Mrs Vivian Ifeyinwa Ezeoba, in 2013, the event was targeted at catering to the needs of widows and orphans of fallen heroes. Since then, national presidents have keyed into the initiative.

This year, the event was held at Underwater Warfare School Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos. The theme of this year’s programme was “Embracing Resilience in Situations of Change”.

While the Special Guest of Honour was past NOWA President, Mrs Margaret Koshoni, two past national presidents- Mrs Jemilat Ayinla and Mrs Apollonia Omatsola were present. Meanwhile,

Pastor Mrs Janet Adetomiwa and Mrs Orolu Jemilat Abike, who were the guest speakers, spurred the spirit of the widows present with their life experiences. The highlight of the day was the disbursing of food and other packages to the widows for the season.

According to Hajiya Gambo, “to show how impactful this programme has become, it is now considered an annual event in NOWA. The association has trained, empowered and issued palliatives to the beneficiaries of this programme since then.

“As practiced annually, NOWA always ensure that the beneficiaries are kept abreast of the happenings in the world so that they can gain adequate knowledge to broaden their horizon.”

Empowering Women

In her speech, Hajiya Gambo stressed that women are critical stakeholders in global human development as their role in society cannot be overemphasised, adding that building their capacity is an essential requirement for a nation striving to develop a thriving economy.

On the need to reach out to the widows, she said since by social tradition, a man provides for the family’s basic needs, it is traumatic when such bread winner charged with providing basic amenity is no more.

“This reality is tough, as it often sets a family back, especially for a military man’s wife. This is because many wives have chosen and sacrificed personal dreams to pursue the interest of their families by becoming a “stay at home” parent due to the constant absence of their husbands.

“It is therefore of utmost importance to see to the need of such women who have lost their husbands and finding it difficult to keep the family together”.

While commending the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo and the navy for their support, Hajiya Gambo reiterated her pledge to sustain the ethos of the association, a pledge she has already started fulfilling since assumption of office.