Mbah Pledges Partnership with NAFOWA on Social Welfare, Special Needs Education

The governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has pledged support for the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA), praising its humanitarian work and signalling a potential partnership on social welfare programmes, including a proposed school for children with special needs.

Dr. Mbah gave the assurance on Tuesday during a meeting with NAFOWA’s national president, Ngozi Aneke, and her delegation at the Government House in Enugu.

He said the group’s activities ranging from healthcare outreach to women’s empowerment closely align with his administration’s focus on human capital development.

“We are a state that prioritises social services,” the governor said, pointing to recent budget allocations. “In the last three budget cycles since we assumed office, we have committed about 30% to education and over 15% to health.”

He added that targeted social interventions remain central to the state’s strategy to reduce poverty and support vulnerable groups.

“We believe that a state is only as strong as its weakest link,” he said. “That is why we are intentional about humanitarian services and social investment.”

A key area of discussion during the visit was NAFOWA’s plan to establish an institution for children with special needs in Enugu. Dr. Mbah said the state government would work with the association to bring the project to fruition.

“We are pleased with your outreach in Enugu. On the proposed institution, we will collaborate to ensure it becomes a reality,” he said.

Earlier, Mrs Aneke thanked the governor for receiving the delegation and commended what she described as visible development in the state.

“A lot has changed in Enugu,” she said. “I have seen significant growth and transformation, and I am confident this progress will continue.”

Mrs Aneke, who is married to Nigeria’s Chief of the Air Staff, said NAFOWA is committed to supporting Air Force families while also extending humanitarian services to surrounding communities.

She explained that the association’s work is built around three main areas: education, healthcare and empowerment. These include assistance for widows and orphans of fallen service members, medical outreach programmes, and skills training initiatives for women.