In a decisive step toward improving welfare and living standards within Nigeria’s military community, the National Defence College Officers’ Wives Association (NDCOWA) has commissioned solar-powered boreholes with a combined capacity of 76,500 litres at the accommodations of the National Defence College (NDC) in Ushafa and Gwarinpa, Abuja.
The intervention, which also included the refurbishment of the College kitchen with modern equipment and utensils, underscores the Association’s commitment to sustainable humanitarian support for officers, soldiers, and their families.
Water scarcity has long posed a challenge in many barracks communities, affecting hygiene, domestic routines, and overall well-being. Recognizing this pressing need, NDCOWA prioritized the reticulation and solar integration of existing boreholes to guarantee consistent and reliable access to clean water.
Commissioning the projects, the Coordinator of NDCOWA, Hajia Hauwa Ahmed, described the initiative as a practical expression of the Association’s mission to enhance quality of life within the barracks.
“This project reflects NDCOWA’s commitment to improving the quality of life in the barracks,” she stated. “Because these are solar-powered, they will provide a consistent water supply, bypassing the challenges of power instability. This aligns with our vision of sustaining legacies and upholding the tenets of unity and service.”
By leveraging solar energy, the project eliminates dependence on erratic electricity supply, ensuring uninterrupted water flow while promoting environmentally sustainable practices. The combined storage capacity of 76,500 litres is expected to significantly reduce water shortages and the associated stress on families.
For beneficiaries, the impact goes beyond convenience. Access to clean and safe water improves sanitation, reduces health risks linked to contaminated sources, and enhances daily domestic activities such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing.
Residents noted that the boreholes’ reticulation and solar-powered systems have effectively restored a vital lifeline to the community. Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Captain Rev’d James Saidu, Vicar of Trinity Military Church, alongside Achibong Mary, expressed profound appreciation to NDCOWA for what they described as a timely and life-changing intervention.
The project is also expected to foster stronger community cohesion, as shared infrastructure improvements often deepen a sense of collective responsibility and pride within the barracks.
Beyond water provision, NDCOWA extended its intervention to the refurbishment of the NDC kitchen. Upon assuming leadership, Hajia Ahmed observed that much of the existing kitchen equipment had become obsolete, posing challenges to hygiene and operational efficiency.
The newly upgraded kitchen now features modern utensils and improved facilities designed to meet contemporary health and safety standards. The upgrade is expected to enhance food preparation processes, promote hygiene, and improve service delivery within the College.
Congratulating beneficiaries, the Coordinator emphasized the importance of sustainability through proper maintenance.
“I urge beneficiaries to adopt a strong maintenance culture to ensure these facilities serve their intended purpose for years to come,” she advised.
The commissioning ceremony drew members of the NDCOWA Executive, representatives of the National Defence College Non-Commissioned Officers’ Wives Association (NDCNCOWA), religious leaders, and civilian staff of the College.
Beyond infrastructure development, the initiative reflects the vital supportive role played by military spouses’ associations in advancing welfare-focused programs. It also reinforces civil-military harmony by demonstrating that service to the nation extends beyond the battlefield to the well-being of families at home.
With the successful completion of the solar-powered boreholes and kitchen refurbishment, NDCOWA has delivered more than physical structures—it has provided relief, dignity, and renewed hope to hundreds of residents.
As water flows steadily through solar-powered systems and meals are prepared in a modernized kitchen environment, the tangible outcomes of unity, compassion, and service are now embedded in the daily lives of the NDC community.
The initiative stands as a model of sustainable intervention—one that not only addresses immediate challenges but lays the groundwork for long-term welfare and resilience within Nigeria’s military institutions.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Members of the NDCOWA Executive, representatives from the National Defence College Non-Commissioned Officers’ Wives Association (NDCNCOWA), and Religious leaders and civilian staff of the College.
