The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 14 Brigade Nigerian Army Chapter, has carried out a humanitarian outreach to orphanages in Abia State as part of activities commemorating the International Women’s Day 2026.
In a statement signed by Mazinho Attah, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade, the programme was described as part of NAOWA’s commitment to humanitarian service and strengthening civil–military relations within host communities.
The outreach, held on March 11, focused on supporting vulnerable children and promoting the ideals of equality, empowerment and protection of the rights of women and girls.
The NAOWA delegation visited the Methodist Motherless Babies Home in Uzuakoli, Bende Local Government Area, where they donated items and interacted with staff and children of the facility.
The team was received by Okechukwu Christopher Obioha, Coordinator of the Reocoorph Foundation, who commended NAOWA for the humanitarian gesture.
Speaking during the visit, Coordinator of NAOWA 14 Brigade Chapter, Shafa’atu Sada Dikko, who was represented by Theresa Gilbert, said the outreach was inspired by the spirit of compassion and the need to support vulnerable members of society.
“This outreach reflects the spirit of the International Women’s Day theme, which emphasises empowerment, equality and the protection of the rights of women and girls,” she said.
She added that the association remains committed to supporting vulnerable children and encouraging institutions caring for them.
“We encourage the management of the home to remain steadfast in their noble responsibility of caring for these children despite the challenges,” she said.
In his response, the Director of the orphanage, Nnaemeka Ajike, expressed appreciation to NAOWA for the visit and donations.
“We are deeply grateful to NAOWA for remembering us and extending this support to the children. This gesture means a lot to us,” he said.
Ajike, however, noted that the facility faces operational challenges, particularly transportation for the children.
“One of our major needs is a bus to help transport the children for medical care, schooling and other essential activities,” he said.
The NAOWA delegation also visited the Motherless Babies Home Asaga in Asaga Ohafia, Ohafia Local Government Area, another orphanage in the state.
The facility, which was commissioned in 1996 by Florence Temi Ejoor, was built by the late Temi Ejoor.
At the orphanage, the team was received by Imaga Kenneth Eke, Head of Department, Social Development, Ohafia Local Government Area.
Eke described the visit as unprecedented and commended NAOWA and the Nigerian Army for extending humanitarian support to the orphanage.
“This visit is unprecedented and we appreciate NAOWA as well as the Nigerian Army, particularly the headquarters of 14 Brigade, for remembering this facility and the children,” he said.
He also highlighted some pressing needs of the orphanage, including cooking gas, kitchen utensils, baby cots and the construction of a kitchen unit.
“We appeal that the Nigerian Army may consider supporting the orphanage in future corporate social responsibility initiatives,” he said.
The outreach featured the presentation of gift items to the orphanages, interactions with the children and group photographs.
The statement added that the initiative underscores the association’s dedication to compassion, service and the welfare of vulnerable members of society.
