The Navy Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), led by President Mrs. Ijeoma Ogalla, hosted a training session on Monday for the wives of Nigerian Navy ratings.
The training focused on effective home management in the absence of their husbands. The event, held under the auspices of the Naval Ratings Wives Association (NARAWA), aimed to address the challenges faced by military wives, particularly during economic hardships.
The Vice President of NOWA, Mrs. Zainab Akpan, representing Mrs. Ogalla, emphasized the crucial role of military wives as “home warriors.” She highlighted the shared challenges faced by officers’ wives, ratings’ wives, and military wives, noting that their husbands’ frequent absences leave them with significant responsibilities.
“We recognize that the challenges of military wives are similar. Our husbands are often not at home, and we are left to care for the children. When these men return, there is often a communication gap,” Akpan stated. “By bridging this gap, we can support these women and strengthen our military and navy families.”
Dr. Simon Asemota, a guest speaker at the event, addressed issues affecting many homes, such as lack of communication and trust. He urged the women to foster their children’s reading habits to prevent them from becoming societal nuisances.
Participants expressed gratitude for the training. Mrs. Bukola Bello appreciated the fresh perspectives offered, committing to developing her children’s reading habits. “We are determined to change the narrative that barracks children are rough and stubborn,” Bello declared.
Mrs. Chinenye Monday, another participant and NARAWA member, learned new approaches to home management and effective communication with her children. She praised NOWA’s leadership for the initiative and pledged to implement the lessons learned.
The training session underscores NOWA’s commitment to supporting military families in navigating the unique challenges they face.
