TRUE GREATNESS LIES IN CHARACTER, DISCIPLINE AND EDUCATION” — NAOWA, NASWA INSPIRE BOYS IN OHAFIA ON INTERNATIONAL BOYS’ DAY*

*“TRUE GREATNESS LIES IN CHARACTER, DISCIPLINE AND EDUCATION” — NAOWA, NASWA INSPIRE BOYS IN OHAFIA ON INTERNATIONAL BOYS’ DAY*

In a deliberate effort to shape the mindset and future of the boy child, the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA), 14 Brigade Chapter, commemorated the 2026 International Boys’ Day with an impactful educational outreach programme held in Ohafia, Abia State, on Monday, 18 May 2026.
The programme, themed “Safe Spaces, Strong Futures: Raising Today’s Boys for Tomorrow’s Greatness,” was organized by the Coordinator NAOWA, 14 Brigade Chapter, Dr Shafa’atu Sada Dikko, on behalf of the Chairperson, NAOWA 82 Division Chapter, Mrs Hilda Ijeoma Fadairo. The initiative focused on mentoring teenage boys on discipline, education, emotional intelligence, moral values, and responsible living.
The outreach targeted students of secondary schools, including Command Secondary School and Federal Government College Ohafia, where participants were sensitized on the importance of building strong character, setting life goals, and making positive decisions capable of securing a brighter future.
A major highlight of the event was the inspiring address delivered on behalf of Dr Shafa’atu Sada Dikko. In the address, the Coordinator emphasized the urgent need to create safe and supportive environments where boys can freely express themselves, ask difficult questions, learn from their mistakes, and develop into emotionally intelligent and responsible men.
According to the address, society often places unhealthy pressure on boys to suppress emotions and conform to rigid standards of masculinity. She stressed that true strength is not measured by aggression or material success, but by discipline, integrity, empathy, education, and respect for others.
Addressing the students directly, the Coordinator encouraged them to reject drug abuse, resist negative peer pressure, remain committed to their education, and uphold respect for women and humanity. She reminded the boys that greatness is ultimately defined by character and the courage to stand firm in difficult situations.
“We believe in you. You are not just the leaders of tomorrow; you are the vibrant energy of today,” the address stated, while urging the students to actively engage in the sensitization lectures and embrace the values being imparted.
The educational sessions featured insightful lectures delivered by specialist officers of the Brigade. Delivering the first lecture, Captain KA Ojutomori, Medical Officer at the 14 Brigade Medical Centre, spoke extensively on Drug and Substance Abuse. He identified social, psychological, and biological factors as major causes of substance abuse among youths and warned students about the devastating consequences of addiction.
In another impactful lecture titled “Strong Futures,” Major J Opadiejo, the 14 Brigade Education Officer, educated the students on the qualities required for success and responsible adulthood. He highlighted discipline, good character, commitment to God, dedication to academic excellence, financial responsibility, and the avoidance of hard drugs and negative peer influence as essential ingredients for a successful future.
The Education Officer also encouraged the students to make productive use of social media by channeling it toward academic advancement, self-development, and positive engagement rather than harmful distractions.
The programme also featured an engaging question-and-answer session during which students interacted freely with the speakers, shared concerns, and received practical guidance on personal development, education, and future aspirations.
Representing the Commander 14 Brigade, the Chief of Staff, Colonel MS Maaji, delivered a goodwill message encouraging the students to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to becoming responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
In her closing remarks, Mrs Theresa Gilbert, representing the NAOWA Chairperson, 14 Brigade Chapter, called on parents, guardians, and teachers to continue guiding boys with patience, love, and sound moral instruction so they can grow into compassionate, disciplined, and responsible leaders.
The Director/Principal of Federal Government College Ohafia, Mr Ezeoba Micheal Emeka commended NAOWA, NASWA, and the guest speakers for their commitment to mentoring and positively shaping the lives of the students through the impactful outreach programme. He called on international organizations and other stakeholders to emulate such initiatives by paying greater attention to the grassroots development of the boy child. According to him, society and many institutions have often overlooked the unique challenges and pressures associated with growing up as a young man, making programmes of this nature both timely and necessary.

As part of the event, plaques were presented on behalf of the representative of the NAOWA Chairperson to the Principal of Federal Government College Ohafia and the Commandant of Command Secondary School Ohafia in appreciation of their support and cooperation toward the successful conduct of the programme.
The event concluded with votes of thanks, group photographs, and renewed commitment by the organizers to continue supporting initiatives aimed at promoting the growth, protection, mentorship, and empowerment of the boy child.
Overall, the outreach programme was highly impactful and inspiring, leaving the students enlightened, motivated, and better equipped with the values and confidence required to build safe, responsible, and successful futures.

*MUYIWA AYARA*
Captain
for Assistant director Army Public Relations
14 Brigade Nigerian Army
Ohafia
18 May 26