Category: News

In an inspiring initiative to address societal issues and advocate for change, Abaji Maimuna Yahaya, a renowned actor, movie producer, and naval wife, has produced a film titled “The Women Called Wives.” Yahaya, who also serves as the National PRO of the Naval Officers Wives Association, emphasizes that the movie aims to instill core values and highlight the unique challenges faced by women married to military men.

“The idea behind the movie is advocacy,” Yahaya explained. “We try to use the movie to talk about core values that we want to impact in society and things that we think should be changed because, over time, there’s been an evolution. Some traditional practices have not changed. As a woman, I chose to speak about those things and, if possible, correct them.”

“The Women Called Wives” delves into pressing issues such as hunger, starvation, unemployment, drug abuse, and the struggles within marriages and family units. It sheds light on the peculiar challenges faced by military wives and offers guidance on coping, adapting, and improving family dynamics.

Mrs. Yahaya expressed confidence that the film would significantly impact women in the naval community. “We have taken steps to speak about some of the things we have considered as ills and documented them in a movie form to educate. We are watching to see how we can apply this in our homes, support our husbands, and make positive changes.”

The movie, which will be aired on DSTV and shown to officers’ wives nationwide, aims to reorient thinking and promote resilience. “When you see a movie over time, it begins to gradually affect the way you think. We will achieve the reorientation that we are working on,” Yahaya noted.

Abaji Maimuna Yahaya prioritizes activities that build her family and mind, participating in training, events, and seminars designed to support naval officers’ wives. “It takes a strong breed to be married to a military man. We need to stay focused, strong, and supportive.”

As part of their initiatives, the Naval Officers Wives Association hosts programs to impact both commissioned and non-commissioned officers’ wives, emphasizing strength, mental and physical well-being, and self-love.

Yahaya also highlighted the importance of prayer for military wives. “Every woman, whether a military wife or not, should be prayerful. Without God, we will all be losing our minds. The uncertainty of our husbands’ safety is scary, and prayer is a stabilizing factor.”

Her message to officers’ wives is clear: “Be strong, be prayerful, pray for your husbands day and night, stabilize your homes, and preserve your minds and those of your families. We will continue to sail in unity and unison.”

In a significant move to tackle maritime crimes and enhance Nigeria’s Blue Economy, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, inaugurated three Nigerian Navy ships and two helicopters on Thursday.

The ceremony, held at the Naval Dockyard in Victoria Island, Lagos, marked a key event in the celebration of the Nigerian Navy’s 68th anniversary and the fifth International Maritime Conference.

The conference, themed “Promoting the Blue Economy in Africa through International Cooperation on Maritime Security,” aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 and Africa’s Agenda 2063. It aims to foster collaboration among African nations to address maritime security and harness the economic potential of the Blue Economy.

President Tinubu highlighted the significant economic impact of the Blue Economy, projecting a value increase to $15.5 trillion globally by 2050 and an African market projection of $405 billion by 2030.

He stressed the importance of strategic partnerships between the Nigerian Navy and other African maritime forces to combat transnational maritime threats.

Vice President Shettima emphasized the Nigerian Navy’s evolution and commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain, noting the necessity of international collaboration to address complex security challenges.

He commended the Navy’s efforts in fleet recapitalization, indigenous shipbuilding, and strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, praised the Navy’s professionalism and its role in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests.

He expressed optimism that the conference would yield innovative strategies to enhance maritime security and economic prosperity.

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, underscored the transnational nature of maritime threats and the need for collective international efforts.

He highlighted ongoing regional initiatives and the Navy’s strategic plan, including the upgrade of the Hydrography Department to the National Hydrographic Agency and significant ship repair projects.

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, lauded the Navy’s contributions to national security and called for the recognition of personnel sacrifices.

He reiterated Lagos’ pivotal role in Nigeria’s maritime economy and the importance of supporting initiatives to secure and develop the Blue Economy.

The event also marked the start of the Regional Maritime Exercise (REMEX), involving ships from Brazil, China, Cameroon, Ghana, and Togo, further showcasing the Navy’s preparedness and the support of the Tinubu-led administration.

In celebration of the Nigerian Navy’s 68th anniversary and Children’s Day, the Nigerian Navy made a significant outreach to local schools in Badagry. Lt. Commander Alaba Egbayelo, representing Navy Captain BA Amakiri, Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry, visited Methodist Senior High School and Topo Senior Grammar School to engage with students and promote awareness on security and drug abuse prevention.

“This initiative is part of our civil-military relationship program during Navy Week,” said Lt. Commander Egbayelo. “We aim to connect with the civilian populace, particularly the youth, to teach them security tips and the dangers of drug abuse. By doing this, we contribute to their education and help them make informed choices.”

The visit included interactive sessions where Navy officers provided vital information on personal security and the risks associated with drug abuse. The program also emphasized the importance of community vigilance and proactive measures to ensure safety.

“We aim to reach out to our host communities beyond just providing security,” added Lt. Commander Egbayelo. “This direct interaction allows us to educate the youth on critical issues, fostering a safer environment for everyone. We plan to continue these visits to more schools to broaden our impact.”

The distribution of the writing materials, which included books and other educational supplies at Topo Senior Grammar School and Methodist Senior High School Badagry emphasized the significance of promoting quality education within the community

Students expressed their gratitude for the initiative. Precious Ben-Anorue from SS2A of Topo Senior Grammar School shared her experience: “The program has enlightened me on how to protect myself both physically and mentally. The knowledge gained today will help me in many areas of my life, and I am grateful to the Nigerian Navy for this opportunity.”

Kehinde Dosu, also from SS2 at Topo Senior Grammar School, echoed similar sentiments: “I learned about the dangers of drug abuse and how to secure myself in various situations, including online safety. This program has been very informative and beneficial.”

The Nigerian Navy’s efforts highlight their commitment to community engagement and youth education, aiming to reduce drug abuse and enhance security awareness among young people.

The initiative underscores the importance of civil-military cooperation in addressing societal challenges and fostering a secure and healthy environment for future generations.

The Navy encourages community members to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities, reinforcing the message that everyone’s cooperation is essential in maintaining safety.

On May 27, 2024, the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) celebrated Children’s Day with an event brimming with enthusiasm and a strong focus on the well-being and development of children.

Representing the National President, Mrs. Ijeoma Blessing Ogalla, the Vice President of NOWA, The Vice Mrs. Zainab Akpan, delivered a heartfelt welcome address that highlighted the significance of the day and the association’s dedication to nurturing the next generation.

Opening her speech, Akpan extended her appreciation to the distinguished guests, esteemed members of the association, teachers, and especially the children whose presence filled the occasion with joy and purpose.

She expressed deep gratitude for the visionary leadership of Mrs. Ijeoma Blessing Ogalla, whose guidance has continuously uplifted NOWA.

Reflecting on the essence of Children’s Day, Akpan quoted John F. Kennedy: “Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see,” emphasizing that children represent both the present and the future. She noted that children bring light, laughter, and hope into our lives, reminding everyone of the simple joys that make life beautiful.

Akpan reiterated NOWA’s commitment to the welfare, protection, and empowerment of every child within their community and beyond, recognizing their vulnerability and the need for utmost care and support.

Akpan highlighted that the day’s programme included a variety of engaging and enriching activities designed to ignite imagination, stimulate creativity, and rejuvenate passions among the young attendees.

She urged everyone to remember that the celebration of Children’s Day extends beyond the event itself, serving as a call to action to champion children’s rights and create nurturing environments where they can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Adding to the day’s discussions, Mrs. Muolagbone Innocent gave a critical presentation on the rising issue of drug abuse among youth. She highlighted alarming statistics, noting that the population of drug abusers in Nigeria has increased from 5.6% in 2016-2017 to 14.6% today. She stressed the urgency of addressing this issue to prevent losing future generations to substance abuse.

Mrs. Innocent emphasized that while we live in a digital age, virtues such as respect and learning from elders remain paramount. She pointed out that about 3% of those abusing substances come from poor parenting environments, such as broken homes, where children seek quick solutions from outsiders, often leading them to substance abuse.

Concluding her address, Akpan extended a warm welcome to all attendees, wishing them a celebration filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories.

She reaffirmed NOWA’s unwavering commitment to the future of children and expressed her hope that the event would inspire continued efforts to support and empower the younger generation.

The Children’s Day celebration organized by NOWA underscored the association’s dedication to fostering a better future for children, ensuring they grow up in a supportive and loving environment.

The event was a testament to NOWA’s mission to champion the rights and voices of children, creating a brighter and more compassionate world for generations to come.