Architect (Mrs.) Rakiya Abubakar, a distinguished leader with a passion for community service, has made significant strides as the National President of the Nigerian Air Force Officers' Wives Association (NAFOWA).
Since her appointment in June 2023, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at improving the lives of military families and the broader community. NAFOWA, established over five decades ago, has a core objective of serving humanity.
Under Mrs. Abubakar's leadership, this objective has reached new heights. Since its inception in 1967, NAFOWA has empowered women, widows, and youths through humanitarian and empowerment activities, including skills acquisition programs, medical and educational outreaches.
In the past year, under Mrs. Abubakar's dynamic leadership, NAFOWA has made significant progress in education, empowerment, healthcare, and infrastructural development.
Notable achievements include the establishment of the NAFOWA Secondary School and NAFOWA Little Angels School in Asokoro, Abuja. These schools provide quality education to the children of military personnel and the less privileged, ensuring a brighter future for these young minds.
Mrs. Abubakar has also conducted refresher training on classroom management and diction for all teaching staff, ensuring educators are well-equipped to deliver high standards of teaching. She has overseen the equipping of schools with modern laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, as well as industrial sewing machines and weaving machines.
This ensures that students receive both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential in today's technological world. The introduction of coding and robotics programs at NAFOWA Little Angels School, Kaduna, and a free boot camp at NAFOWA Secondary School, Asokoro, mark a significant leap towards modern education.
Additionally, Mrs. Abubakar has harmonized the uniforms and curriculum of all NAFOWA Little Angels Schools to ensure consistent quality education across all institutions. Comprehensive school renovations, including complete toilet overhauls, water reticulation, and plumbing work, have created a conducive learning environment, promoting better educational outcomes for students.
Mrs. Abubakar has been instrumental in implementing extensive skills acquisition programs, benefiting over 300 dependents with training in trades such as catering, event decoration, soap making, embroidery, and tailoring.
These programs enhance economic independence and self-sufficiency. Recently, over 150 individuals graduated from a skills acquisition program that included training in farming, catering, soap making, and food processing, among others.
Free skills acquisition training for over 200 women, including widows and NAFOWA members, has further empowered them economically. The NAFOWA Vocational Centre in Ikeja has also seen significant enhancements under Mrs. Abubakar's leadership, ensuring high-quality training and support to its beneficiaries.
NAFOWA's healthcare initiatives under Mrs. Abubakar's leadership have been exemplary. She organized a cancer walk, lecture, and sensitization at NAF Base Asokoro, followed by a week-long free cancer screening for members of various associations and the general public.
This effort significantly raised awareness and provided essential healthcare services to those in need. In a notable humanitarian outreach at Ungogo LGA, Kano State, 106 persons living with disabilities received food items and tricycle wheelchairs.
The President also facilitated the Renewed Hope Initiative, granting N250,000 each to 187 Nigerian Air Force widows and orphans, providing essential financial support. Infrastructural enhancements under Mrs. Abubakar's tenure have been substantial.
New construction include the NAFOWA secretariat Multi-purpose Hall and renovation of Shopping Complex in Ikeja, Lagos with the installation of a 65KVA generator and another multi-purpose hall in Port Harcourt which oversaw general overhauling of existing facilities thereby enhancing community engagement and commerce.
The President also implemented a 100 per cent increment in NAFOWA supervisors' allowances to cushion the effects of subsidy removal.
A crucial aspect of Mrs. Abubakar's achievements has been fostering a strong relationship between NAFOWA and the Nigerian Air Force, ensuring continued support and collaboration.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
This partnership underscores the importance of unity and collective effort in achieving the association's goals. Through these dedicated efforts, Mrs. Abubakar has demonstrated a profound commitment to enhancing the welfare of NAFOWA members and the broader community.
Her significant contributions in education, empowerment, and healthcare over the past year have made a remarkable difference in the lives of many.
Mrs. Abubakar's leadership has not only brought about transformative changes but has also set a solid foundation for continued progress. As NAFOWA looks to the future, Mrs. Abubakar's vision and leadership serve as a guiding light, ensuring that the association continues to fulfill its mandate and mission of service to humanity.
Her significant contributions over the past year have set a precedent for future initiatives, paving the way for further advancements and the continued empowerment of the Nigerian Air Force community and beyond.
*Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet is the Director of Public Relations, Nigerian Air Force.
