
In 81 Division NAOWA Donates 391 Eyeglasses to Children in Lagos and Ogun States
In a heartwarming display of generosity and commitment to the well-being of children, the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), 81 Division Chapter, led by the Chairperson, Pharm Mrs Rekiya Usman, has teamed up with the Restore Foundation for Child Sight to provide essential eye care to schoolchildren. A total of 391 eyeglasses and 314 eye-related drugs were donated to children in the Division’s Area of Responsibility, spanning Lagos and Ogun States.

The initiative, aptly named the ‘School Eye Health Programme,’ unfolded on April 3, 2024, at the 81 Division Officers’ Mess in Onikan, Lagos. Mrs. Usman highlighted the three-phase approach employed during the exercise, comprising training, screening, and intervention. She emphasized the importance of equipping teachers to identify children with sight impairments, resulting in the successful identification of 391 children in need of eyeglasses and 12 children requiring eye surgery. Notably, one child has already undergone a successful operation.

Mrs. Usman expressed gratitude to the National President of NAOWA, Mrs. Maria Lagbaja, for her guidance and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division for his unwavering support. In turn, the GOC commended Mrs. Usman for her leadership and pledged ongoing support for the Association’s innovative programs. He also lauded the Restore Foundation for its humanitarian services and promised to advocate for similar initiatives across other divisions in the Nigerian Army.

Beneficiary schools included Command Day Secondary Schools, Command Children Schools, and NAOWA Nursery and Primary Schools across Lagos and Ogun States. The event was attended by senior military officials, including the Corps Commander Education, Maj Gen Bello Tsoho, and Maj Gen Mohammed Usman, the GOC 81 Division, alongside commanders, staff, and students from participating schools.

Mrs. Rekiya Usman’s outstanding contributions were recognized earlier when she was conferred with the title of Ambassador of 81 Division Education for her significant impact on shaping the future of children within the Division.
This collaborative effort between NAOWA, the Restore Foundation, and the Nigerian Army underscores the collective commitment to the well-being and development of Nigerian youth, ensuring they have access to essential healthcare services for a brighter future.
OLABISI OLALEKAN AYENI
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations
81 Division NA
3 April 2024