By : Gbenga Akingbule.
President of Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association ( NAOWA) and Wife of the Chief of Army Staff ( COAS), Mrs Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja on Tuesday commended wives of repentant Boko Haram terrorists for quitting their old ways and surrendering to the Military.
Gatekeepers News reports that the NAOWA President also encouraged the women which includes other Internal Displaced Persons ( IDPs) and vulnerable women to be positive about their future and never get weighed down by their previous lifestyle.
This was made known during a visit by the NAOWA President to the Bulumkutu Rehabilitation Centre in Maiduguri the Borno State Capital
According to the NAOWA President, who was in Maiduguri with her team for the ongoing week-long COAS 2023 Conference, each of the repentant terrorists and their families have taken the right step by distancing themselves from their previous lives and embraced peace, as
a new and bright future full of hope and aspirations awaits them after rehabilitation.
“It is a deep sense of hope and commitment that I stand before you today, on behalf of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) to address these resilient individuals gathered here at the Bulumkutu Rehabilitation Camp.
“This is a unique setting, where strength and determination link us as a community bound by the collective determination towards recovery, renewal, change and progress.
“I do acknowledge the challenges that each one of you has faced. However, it is during moments of adversity that the true strength of the human spirit shines brightest.
“NAOWA as an institution understands and appreciates the incredible resilience displayed by you all.
“The Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association, which is driven by a passion for positive change, is committed to providing a helping hand along your journey to recovery which is in line with my vision of Sustaining Legacies through Unwavering Commitment to Unity and Service for the Betterment of Humanity.
“Let me also state that each of you has taken the right step to distance yourselves from your previous lives and to embrace peace, as well as a new and bright future full of hope and aspirations.
“I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude to the staff of the Bulumkutu Rehabilitation Camp for their dedication and resilience, with which they perform their duties.
“Their absolute commitment to this programme is very instrumental to the successes that this programme has recorded over time.
“Additionally, I want you all to understand that rehabilitation is not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a new chapter. As you embrace the opportunities provided by the Nigerian Army and the Borno State Government at this Camp, please always remember that you are not defined by your past but empowered by your future.
“The journey may be challenging, but it is one filled with potential, growth, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
“Permit me to seize this opportunity to appreciate the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum for setting up this initiative. I want to also thank the good people of the state for supporting this programme by being receptive and accommodating towards the beneficiaries which has contributed immensely to the programme’s success.
“This has massively enhanced the efforts of our military towards restoring peace to the Northeast Region of our dear country.
“Lastly I wish to state that NAOWA stands by its commitment to walk with you every step of the way. Together, let us shape a future where resilience triumphs over adversity, where potentials are nurtured, and where the collective strength of a community paves the way for a brighter and more inclusive society.” Mrs Lagbaja stated.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo thanked the NAOWA President for not only visiting the camp but also organising lunch for the victims, which according to her, underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to Civil Military Relations in the society.
While commending the efforts of the federal government, the Government of Borno State and the leadership of Governor Zulum, military and para-military apparatus and all stakeholders in the fight against Terrorists, Mrs. Gambo explained that the Centre houses all categories of Vulnerable women, mostly those who have gone through trauma, but were given Psycho-Social support as part of the rehabilitation process.
