NAOWA 14 BRIGADE CHAPTER CONDUCTS HUMANITARIAN OUTREACH TO ORPHANAGES WITHIN ABIA STATE IN COMMEMORATION OF 2026 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY*

*NAOWA 14 BRIGADE CHAPTER CONDUCTS HUMANITARIAN OUTREACH TO ORPHANAGES WITHIN ABIA STATE IN COMMEMORATION OF 2026 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY*

In a bid to fulfill its mandate by providing humanitarian support, providing unity and charity amongst many others.The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 14 Brigade Chapter, has conducted a humanitarian outreach to orphanages in Abia State as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration.

The outreach programme, held on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, was organised under the theme *“Give to Gain for All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.”* The initiative was aimed at supporting vulnerable children while promoting the ideals of equality, empowerment and protection of the rights of women and girls.

Part of the activities carried out by the NAOWA delegation was a visit to methodist motherless babies home, Uzuakoli, located in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State. Upon arrival the delegation was received by Reverend Dr Okechukwu Christopher Obioha (JP), Coordinator of the Reocoorph Foundation, who welcomed the team and commended NAOWA for the thoughtful humanitarian gesture.

Speaking during the visit Coordinator NAOWA 14 Brigade Chapter. Dr Shafa’atu Sada Dikko (fwacs) ably represented by Mrs Gilbert Theresa, emphasized the importance of compassion and collective support for vulnerable members of the society, particularly children. She noted that the outreach reflects the spirit of the International Women’s Day theme, which focuses on empowerment, equality and the protection of the rights of women and girls. She further encouraged the management of the home to remain committed to their noble responsibility of caring for the children despite existing challenges.

In his response, the Director of the orphanage, Very Reverend Nnaemeka Ajike, expressed profound appreciation to NAOWA for the visit and humanitarian support. He highlighted some operational challenges faced by the orphanage, particularly the need for a bus to facilitate transportation of the children for medical care, schooling and other essential activities. He appealed that the request be communicated to relevant authorities for possible intervention and concluded with a vote of thanks.

In a similar development the NAOWA team subsequently proceeded to the motherless babies home, Asaga Ohafia, located in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State. The orphanage was commissioned in 1996 by the late Florence Temi Ejoor, while the facility was built by late Captain Temi Ejoor.

Arriving at the orphanage the delegation was received by Mr Imaga Kenneth Eke, Head of Department, Social Development, Ohafia Local Government Area, alongside the Head of Unit, Social Welfare.

In his remarks, Mr Imaga Kenneth Eke described the visit as unprecedented and commended NAOWA as well as the Nigerian Army, particularly Headquarters 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, for extending humanitarian support to the orphanage.
While expressing appreciation for the visit, he highlighted some pressing needs of the orphanage, including cooking gas, kitchen utensils, baby cots and construction of a kitchen unit. He appealed that the Nigerian Army may consider supporting the facility in future corporate social responsibility initiatives.

The outreach programme provided both moral encouragement and material support to the children and staff of the orphanages visited. The initiative also reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association and the Nigerian Army to humanitarian service, community development and the welfare of vulnerable members of society.

The activity further strengthened civil–military relations within the host communities and demonstrated NAOWA’s continued dedication to compassion, service and social responsibility.

Highlights of the outreach was presentation of gift items, vote of thanks and group photographs.

*MAZINHO ATTAH*
Assistant Director Army Public Relations
14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ohafia
Abia State.
12 March 2026.