The new President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Mernan Oluyede, pledged to prioritise family welfare, support for widows, and empowerment initiatives across military and police communities nationwide.
Oluyede made the pledge while taking over leadership from her predecessor, Mrs Oghogho Musa, on Monday in Abuja, describing the role as “a sacred responsibility rooted in service, compassion, and national duty to families.”
She said her tenure would focus on strengthening family welfare, supporting widows and orphans of fallen heroes, and enhancing psychosocial, mental health, and community resilience programmes across defence and police families.
The DEPOWA President identified women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, digital skills development, improved childcare and educational facilities, and stronger partnerships with government, private sector, and humanitarian organisations as strategic priorities of her administration.
She paid tribute to her predecessor, Musa, for her devoted stewardship and impactful programmes, noting her tenure set a solid foundation for sustained growth and service within the Association.
Oluyede also commended former Chief of Defence Staff, retired General Christopher Musa, for visionary leadership and unwavering support to military and police family welfare initiatives across the nation.
She urged members to work collectively to expand hope, dignity, and opportunity for every defence and police family, building on existing programmes to strengthen community resilience and support networks.
Having served as National President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Oluyede pledged to elevate DEPOWA “to new heights of service, impact, and excellence” while continuing legacy initiatives for families.
She prayed for God’s protection over officers, soldiers, sailors, airmen, police personnel, and their families, and for lasting peace, prosperity, and stability in Nigeria’s military and police communities.
The outgoing DEPOWA President, Mrs Musa, expressed gratitude to members and partners for support during her tenure, describing over two years in office as “a journey of grace, unity, and purposeful service.”
Musa highlighted collective achievements in women’s empowerment, health and family welfare, educational support for children, and skill development programmes across barracks and police communities during her tenure.
Among her notable accomplishments, she cited the establishment of DEPOWA College, envisioned as “a legacy initiative to empower children with knowledge, leadership values, and opportunities for a brighter, transformative future.”
She expressed hope that the college would continue to grow as a beacon of learning, empowerment, and transformation for children of officers and police personnel across the country.
Musa paid tribute to wives of officers and soldiers for their courage and resilience, extending heartfelt empathy to widows of fallen heroes whose strength inspired the Association’s mission and vision.
She also acknowledged the support of her husband, former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Musa, describing him as “a man of honour, humility, and devotion” whose encouragement enabled her leadership journey.
Musa pledged continued support to DEPOWA and incoming leadership, expressing confidence that the Association would thrive under capable women of wisdom, grace, and a deep commitment to family welfare.
She stated, “True leadership is not measured by position held, but by the lives we uplift, the love we leave behind, and the legacy of service we create for others.”
