The Chairperson of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 82 Division Chapter, Mrs Hilda Ijeoma Fadairo, has said that the cultural performances presented during the Combined Cultural, Speech and Prize-Giving Day of NAOWA Group of Schools, Enugu, reflect Nigeria’s national values and should be seen as a tool for unity and character development rather than mere entertainment.
Mrs Fadairo stated this during the 2025/2026 Academic Session Combined Cultural and Prize-Giving Day Ceremony held at the school premises on 22 July 2026.
In her opening remarks, she described the occasion as a strategic platform for promoting national cohesion, leadership and responsible citizenship among young Nigerians.
According to her, NAOWA deliberately integrates cultural values into the educational system to help raise students who are disciplined, resilient and respectful of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
She noted that, in line with global military best practices, the development of young people must go beyond academic achievement to include leadership qualities, emotional resilience and appreciation of diversity, stressing that such values strengthen both the Armed Forces and the wider society.
Mrs Fadairo commended the students for their discipline, hard work and outstanding performances, congratulating all award recipients and encouraging every student to continue striving for excellence.
She urged the pupils to become ambassadors of peace and unity by embracing Nigeria’s cultural diversity, which she said was vividly showcased through the various cultural presentations during the ceremony.
The NAOWA Chairperson also expressed appreciation to the NAOWA National President, Mrs Safiyyat Hassan Shaibu, and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, for their continued support and guidance towards the growth of the school.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and GOC 82 Division, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, commended the NAOWA 82 Division Chapter for organising what he described as a laudable and impactful event.
He reminded students that education is not limited to classroom learning and examinations, adding that the cultural displays served as a reaffirmation of the strength, beauty and unity inherent in Nigeria’s rich ethnic heritage.
Major General Fadairo disclosed that several infrastructural projects had been completed in the NAOWA Group of Schools, while additional projects are currently ongoing to improve learning facilities.
He described NAOWA Secondary School as one of the leading schools in Enugu State, reflecting the Association’s commitment to educational excellence within and beyond the military community.
The GOC also thanked parents, teachers and invited guests for their continued support, noting that their involvement contributes significantly to the success of the institution.
The ceremony featured colourful cultural performances by students representing different ethnic groups across the country, presentations of awards to outstanding students, presentation of souvenirs to senior military officers and group photographs with dignitaries.
The event underscored NAOWA’s continued commitment to promoting national unity, cultural awareness and educational excellence, while nurturing future leaders who embody discipline, resilience, patriotism and respect for diversity.
