The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has emphasized the critical importance of mental wellness, emotional stability, and strong family values in supporting military personnel. She made this statement at the inaugural edition of the SHINE Seminar, organized as part of the Nigerian Navy's 70th anniversary celebrations.
The seminar, themed SHINE—Self-Control, Humility, Integrity, Inner Balance, Nurturing Relationships, and Emotional Stability—brought together naval officers' wives, mental health professionals, etiquette experts, and distinguished guests for a day of reflection, learning, and personal development.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu praised the efforts of the Naval Officers' Wives Association (NOWA) in promoting family values and supporting social causes. She noted that the association's outreach programs in Lagos schools expose young people to naval careers and strengthen security consciousness among students.
She also commended the Nigerian Navy for safeguarding national interests and maintaining maritime security, highlighting its contributions to community development and national cohesion beyond operational duties. She described the seminar's theme as timely and relevant, addressing the growing need for self-development, emotional intelligence, and mental wellness in contemporary society.
The governor's wife stressed that mental health should not be treated as a one-time conversation but as an ongoing necessity for individual well-being, family stability, and societal progress. She urged participants to embrace unity, mutual support, and understanding, noting that emotionally balanced families help naval personnel remain focused and effective.
Speaking at the event, the National President of NOWA, Mrs. Aisha Idi Abbas, described the initiative as a strategic intervention to strengthen military families and equip them with emotional tools to navigate the unique challenges of naval service. She noted that officers and their spouses often balance professional effectiveness with home stability despite frequent deployments and operational demands.
She maintained that the home should remain the anchor, emphasizing that resilient families provide the foundation for effective service delivery. The seminar was conceived to empower naval families with practical knowledge on emotional wellness, interpersonal relationships, and personal conduct.
Mrs. Abbas expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for his support of NOWA's programs, while thanking guests, stakeholders, and resource persons for contributing to the event's success.
The event featured presentations by mental health specialists, wellness practitioners, and etiquette consultants, who shared practical insights on stress management, healthy relationships, positive habits, and emotional resilience. The SHINE Seminar reflected NOWA's broader commitment to strengthening the social and emotional well-being of naval families, reinforcing the belief that the well-being of service personnel is closely tied to that of their families.
