The Chairperson, Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 8 Division Chapter, Mrs Chinelo Koughna, on Friday hosted soldiers’ wives to an interfaith Iftar (breakfast dinner) at the Giginya Barracks in Sokoto.
The event brought together wives of both officers and soldiers, alongside other dignitaries including representatives of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), in what organisers described as the first gathering of its kind within the barracks community.
Speaking at the event, Koughna, who is also the wife of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto, said the gathering was aimed at fostering unity and peaceful coexistence among members of the barracks community.
According to her, the occasion is not only about breaking the Ramadan fast together but also about strengthening the bond among families of military personnel irrespective of religious differences.
“This gathering is not just about breaking fast together. It is about strengthening unity, promoting peaceful coexistence and celebrating the spirit of togetherness that binds us as one community,” she said.
She urged participants to always remember the shared values that unite them despite differences in faith.
“Despite our different faiths, we share common values such as prayers, sacrifices, love, self-discipline and compassion.
“As we break our fast this evening, I pray that Allah accepts our sacrifices and blesses us all with peace, good health and prosperity.
“May our homes remain united and our nation continue to grow in strength and harmony,” she prayed.
Koughna noted that the initiative was borne out of her desire to promote unity and mutual understanding within the barracks community.
She added that the association would continue to introduce programmes that would bring members together to pray for their husbands, children and the nation at large.
“The aim is to live peacefully with one another despite our diversity and religious differences. We should always remember that we are Nigerians,” she emphasised.
She also offered prayers for the safety and wellbeing of Nigeria’s security personnel, acknowledging their sacrifices in protecting the country.
“We pray for the good health and protection of our gallant security personnel who make daily sacrifices for the peace and security of our nation,” she added.
Koughna appreciated the soldiers’ wives and other guests for honouring the invitation and urged them to always promote love and understanding within society.
(NAN)
