The Wife of the former Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Dr. Hajiya Nana Aisha Gambo on Thursday called for unity among officers’ wives as she inaugurated a 24 unit shopping complex in Okoko community.
Dr. Gambo who was also the National President, Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), while making the call for unity, added that the complex was also to strengthen the bonds that made the community resilient.
“Today, we gather to celebrate the culmination of our vision and collective efforts, which have materialised into this remarkable shopping complex.
“This complex holds tremendous significance for our community and the families of our brave naval officers since the demolition of the previous NOWA market due to the road expansion.
“It symbolises not just a physical structure, but also the embodiment of our unwavering commitment to enhance the quality of life for our naval families and serve as a hub for our community.
“This is also a significant milestone in our journey towards empowering our members and fostering unity among our naval families,” she said.
Gambo added that the complex was not just a place for commerce, but a sanctuary for solace, forge new friendships, and strengthen the bonds that make our community resilient.
She said she had no doubt that the strategic location of the shopping complex would bring profitable income to the shop owners’ leverage on the accessibility.
“I envisioned a vibrant marketplace that will cater to the diverse needs of our community and also meeting the holistic needs of our community members.
“I want to encourage all prospective shop owners to explore the various offerings within this complex, connect with one another and embrace the spirit of unity and support that defines our naval community.
“Together, you can build an environment that fosters growth, wellbeing, and happiness for our families,” she said.
She appreciated her husband, the immediate past CNS, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo CFR for his tireless and unrelenting support for the successes NOWA had recorded under her watch.
“My sincere appreciation goes to the immediate past Commander NNS BEECROFT, Rear Admiral Abdulrasheed Haruna for his unswerving support for the actualization of the project.
The Special Guest of Honour, Mrs Betty Ombu, during her speech, congratulated NOWA for the completion of the project.
She said the edifice would bring economic progress to the Okoko community.
She added that the inauguration of the complex symbolizes the spirit of unity among NOWA by contributing their time and resources to ensure this was completed.
She advised the occupants of the complex to maintain the edifice, while adding that the complex would positively affects the families and the community as a whole.
The edifice with the landscaping is located on a land area of 1,125 square-metres.
The shopping complex consists of 24 units of shop with each having an office space and rest room.
Present at the inauguration were fellow NOWA members, senior naval officers and ratings.