Naval Base Abuja empowers barracks women with skills, financial support
As part of activties to celebrate the International Women’s Day, the Naval Base Abuja, has launched a barrack empowerment initiative for wives and widows of its personnel. The initiative which
As part of activties to celebrate the International Women's Day, the Naval Base Abuja, has launched a barrack empowerment initiative for wives and widows of its personnel.
The initiative which featured capacity building, financial and material support to boost the women's economic independence and strengthen family stability, was introduced by the Base Commander, Commodore Oluseyi Oladipo.
It formed part of efforts to adopt a whole-of-society approach to security, recognising the role of families, particularly women, in sustaining morale and effectiveness within the armed forces.
Participants were encouraged to take advantage of the training sessions, build networks and apply acquired skills to improve their economic standing and support their families.
Speaking at the event, Commodore Oladipo said it was designed to address low financial capacity and limited access to knowledge among women in the barracks, while enhancing their productivity and confidence.
“In line with the theme ‘Give to Gain’, we are providing capacity building, as well as financial and material support to selected women. The objective is to improve their productivity, confidence and dignity,” he said.
Oladipo stressed that empowering women in military communities directly impacts operational effectiveness, noting that stable and supported families would enable personnel to focus on national duties.
“The stability of the home front is essential for operational effectiveness. When our personnel are confident that their families are supported and empowered, they are better positioned to carry out their responsibilities,” he said.
The Commander described women in the barracks as critical to social and economic stability, saying the initiative aligned with the Navy’s broader welfare priorities under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
Mandate Secretary of Women Affairs, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Adedayo Benjamini-Laniyi, commended the Navy for prioritising women’s empowerment within its ranks, describing it as key to building stronger families and communities.
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“Behind every disciplined officer serving our country, there are women who hold the home front with resilience and strength. These women are pillars of stability within the naval community,” she said.
Benjamini-Laniyi said empowerment programmes go beyond training to creating economic opportunities and improving social wellbeing.
“When women are empowered, families become stronger, communities grow healthier, and society moves forward,” she noted.
She also reaffirmed the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s commitment to expanding access to skills development, entrepreneurship and social support for women across communities, including military barracks.
“We will continue to support initiatives that promote skills development, entrepreneurship, education and social empowerment for women. No woman should be left behind,” she said.
