The President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Dr. Safiya Shaibu, has stressed that strong family support is crucial to sustaining soldiers’ morale, resilience, and operational effectiveness.
Dr. Shaibu, who is the wife of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, said the understanding and backing of military families play a critical role in the success of military operations, especially amid rising security challenges.
She made the remarks while highlighting the emotional and psychological pressures faced by soldiers in the line of duty.
According to her, soldiers perform better on the front lines when they know their families are strong, supportive, and understanding of the sacrifices required by military service.
“The support of military families is critical to the success of operations, particularly amid growing security challenges and the emotional and psychological demands of military service,” she said.
Dr. Shaibu noted that beyond the battlefield, soldiers battle loneliness, trauma, and long separations from loved ones, and that a stable home front helps them remain focused, resilient, and combat-ready.
She called on wives, children, and relatives of military personnel to continue to provide love, encouragement, and understanding, describing the family as the backbone of every gallant soldier.
The NAOWA President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to improving the welfare of army families through empowerment programmes, education support, and healthcare initiatives, to ensure they remain strong pillars for their spouses in service to the nation.