The National President, Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA), Architect (Mrs) Rakiya Abubakar has solicited the continued support and collaboration of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) with NAFOWA in the areas of education, women and youth empowerment, healthcare and poverty alleviation in line with its motto of, “Service to Humanity”. She stated this today, 2 August 2023, when she paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar at the Headquarters NAF (HQ NAF), Abuja. Mrs Abubakar, who was accompanied by other members of the Association, appreciated the CAS for the support and encouragement they have received so far noting that the Association was willing, able and ready to contribute its quota to the overall success of the Service.

While congratulating the CAS on his appointment, promotion and subsequent decoration with the rank of Air Marshal by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mrs Abubakar stated that she and members of her Association were at the HQ NAF to consolidate on the existing cordial relationship between the NAF and NAFOWA. She reaffirmed the unalloyed loyalty and support of the Association to the NAF. “We are willing, able and ready to contribute our quota in complementing efforts of the Service”, she said. Speaking further, she emphasized that the Association’s overall objective remains the promotion of welfare and wellbeing of its members, children and the less privileged in the society through education and various skills acquisition programmes. Mrs Abubakar also solicited the support of the NAF in the provision of needed infrastructure at the newly established NAFOWA Secondary School and NAFOWA Little Angeles, Asokoro, Abuja.

In his remarks, the CAS described members of NAFOWA as pillars of strength, unsung heroes and source of motivation to their husbands and families. According to him, the Association has contributed immensely to the educational sector of the Country through the NAFOWA Little Angels Schools and vocational centres. The skills acquisition and empowerment programmes he said, have been impactful and within the last 12 months, has benefited over 300 dependents, providing them with various skills including catering, event decoration, soap making, embroidery and tailoring amongst others. While recognizing some of the challenges facing the members occasioned by frequent postings and relocations as well as long absence of their husbands, Air Marshal Abubakar urged them to derive strength from their unity as a community. According to the CAS, “When you come together under one umbrella, your synergy as women is unrivalled and amazing.” The CAS also charged them to remain a network of support and beacon of hope to those in despair and others who might be going through other challenges.

Architect (Mrs) Rakiya Abubakar was accompanied by the National Executive Council members of NAFOWA and other members while the Branch Chiefs and Precedent Directors at NAF HQ.