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**DSAOWA Marks 2026 International Women’s Day with Medical Outreach**

In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026, themed “Give to Gain,” the Defence Space Administration Officers’ Wives Association (DSAOWA) carried out a medical outreach to Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, on Monday, 9 March 2026.

In the spirit of the theme, the association donated essential medical equipment to the hospital as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting healthcare initiatives that improve the wellbeing of women and families in the community. The intervention particularly aligns with efforts aimed at reducing maternal morbidity and mortality among women.

The Coordinator, DSAOWA, Mrs. Nkechi Ilodibia, was ably represented by the Deputy Coordinator, Mrs. Esther Laoye, who led the outreach team. During the visit, Mrs. Laoye emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives that advance community wellbeing and strengthen healthcare delivery.

The team toured key departments within the hospital, including the Labour Ward, Postnatal Ward, and Paediatric Unit, where they interacted with healthcare professionals and patients while observing the services being rendered.

The Medical Director of Asokoro District Hospital, Dr. Asaolu Seyi, expressed profound appreciation to DSAOWA for the thoughtful gesture and the donated medical equipment. He assured the team that the items would be put to effective and proper use to enhance healthcare delivery at the facility.

The visit concluded with a group photograph, marking a meaningful commemoration of International Women’s Day and reaffirming DSAOWA’s dedication to promoting healthcare and community wellbeing.

(Photographs attached.)

*DEPOWA GRADUATES 130 TRAINEES IN LANDMARK EMPOWERMENT DRIVE*

The Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) has graduated 130 trainees from its Skills Acquisition Centre in Abuja, reinforcing its strategic commitment to economic empowerment, self-reliance, and sustainable livelihood development within Nigeria’s military and security community.

The graduation ceremony of Batch 18/2025, held in Abuja, marked a significant milestone in DEPOWA’s empowerment trajectory and underscored the Association’s sustained investment in widows, vulnerable persons, and families of servicemen and women.

Delivering her welcome address, the President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Mernan Femi Oluyede, described the ceremony as a celebration of transformation, resilience, and renewed opportunity. She noted that the event represents the first graduation ceremony under her leadership and reaffirmed her administration’s resolve to deepen the Association’s impact through structured, high-quality vocational and entrepreneurial development programmes.

According to her, Batch 18/2025 commenced training in February and June 2025 respectively, with beneficiaries drawn from widows, vulnerable individuals, and participants sponsored by organisations and well-meaning stakeholders. The trainees received intensive instruction in fashion designing, culinary arts, bag-making, hairdressing, makeup and gele tying, production, and computer appreciation.

Mrs. Oluyede explained that beyond technical instruction, the Centre incorporated structured attitudinal lecture series aimed at instilling discipline, entrepreneurial thinking, and personal responsibility. Internet connectivity was strengthened to enhance digital access and broaden learning exposure, while a comprehensive internship framework was implemented to provide practical, real-world experience.

She further disclosed that all graduating trainees were duly registered as tradesmen and women with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, earning Grade 3 and Grade 2 certifications — a strategic measure to ensure formal recognition and enhance their competitiveness within the broader labour market.

In a deliberate effort to facilitate immediate economic participation, each graduate was presented with a starter pack to support the establishment of personal enterprises.

“The DEPOWA Skills Acquisition Centre remains a critical vehicle for fulfilling our mandate of empowering families, supporting vulnerable members of society, and contributing meaningfully to national development,” she stated, urging the graduands to apply their knowledge responsibly, uplift their communities, and remain committed to lifelong learning.

In his keynote address, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) who was the Special Guest of Honour (SGOH) for the occasion, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended DEPOWA for its consistent and impactful empowerment initiatives, noting that the graduation ceremony underscores the importance of civil-military collaboration in community development and youth empowerment.
The CDS, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, Rear Admiral Saburi Lawal, described the graduates as exemplars of what structured programmes, strategic partnerships, and visionary leadership can achieve. He encouraged them to demonstrate discipline, integrity, innovation, and perseverance as they transition into the competitive marketplace.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to initiatives that empower the families of our servicemen and women and strengthen our society,” he affirmed.
Similarly, while fielding questions from pressmen after the event, the former DEPOWA President and wife of the honourable minister of Defence, Mrs. Oghogho G. Musa, who was the Guest of Honour for the occasion, expressed deep satisfaction at the programme’s steady growth and enduring impact, noting that it is fulfilling to witness the vision continue to expand and transform lives.

Earlier, the Coordinator of the DEPOWA Skills Acquisition Centre, Major BJ Anaya, provided an operational overview of the training cycle and commended the trainees for their discipline, teamwork, and outstanding performance throughout the programme.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Mrs. Grace Adachebe expressed heartfelt appreciation to the DEPOWA leadership, instructors, partners, and sponsors for what she described as a life-changing opportunity. She reaffirmed the commitment of the beneficiaries to utilise the acquired skills productively and contribute positively to national development.

Dignitaries in attendance included the CDS, representatives of the Service Chiefs, the immediate past President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, the President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Mernan Femi Oluyede, the President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs. Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, representatives of other spousal associations, and members of the diplomatic and military community, among others.

Highlights of the colourful ceremony included a cultural dance presentation by the NYSC Cultural Troupe, the formal presentation of certificates and starter packs to the graduates, and the presentation of souvenirs to the Special Guest of Honour and representatives of the Service Chiefs.

With formal certification, entrepreneurial orientation, and startup support, the 130 graduates of Batch 18/2025 are now positioned to establish viable enterprises, support their families sustainably, and contribute meaningfully to socio-economic development within their communities.

*LEGACY OF VISION AND IMPACT: DEPOWA PRESIDENT’S EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS COMMISSIONED AS SHE GRACES CEREMONY AT NAOWA COLLEGE, ASOKORO*

The President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Mernan Femi-Oluyede, on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, graced the commissioning of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre, Dining Hall, and Preparatory Hall at the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association College, Asokoro, Abuja—landmark projects initiated under her leadership as the 24th President of NAOWA and successfully completed through collaborative efforts with her successor, the 25th President of NAOWA, Mrs. Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu.

The projects were formally commissioned by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W Shaibu, and form part of Mrs. Oluyede’s enduring legacy as NAOWA President.

They were subsequently handed over to her successor, Mrs. Shaffiyah Hassan Shaibu, reflecting a seamless transition anchored on institutional continuity and shared commitment to excellence.

Conceived during her tenure, the facilities were designed as sustainable, long-term interventions aimed at strengthening educational standards and enhancing the overall learning environment within the College.

In her remarks, Mrs. Oluyede commended NAOWA’s unwavering commitment to educational excellence, describing the newly inaugurated facilities as symbols of vision, dedication, and purposeful leadership. She noted that while the projects were initiated under her administration, they were successfully completed through collaborative efforts with her successor.

Emphasising the importance of continuity in leadership, she praised Mrs. Shaibu for sustaining the vision and ensuring the successful delivery of the projects. According to her, the facilities will significantly enhance academic standards, equip students with vital digital literacy skills, and better prepare them for the demands of a technology-driven world.

She acknowledged the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, Armed Forces Medal, for his unwavering support to women-focused initiatives and his sustained commitment to the welfare of the barracks community by providing an enabling environment for DEPOWA and sister associations to thrive. She also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, for commissioning the projects and for his consistent support to NAOWA and DEPOWA initiatives that advance educational and community development within the barracks environment.

Mrs. Oluyede further acknowledged the invaluable contributions of former Presidents of NAOWA, whose dedication, foresight, and commitment laid the strong foundation upon which the Association continues to build and thrive across successive administrations.

The CBT Centre is expected to improve students’ preparedness for computer-based examinations and align the College with modern digital learning systems.

The Dining and Preparatory Halls were established to promote discipline, coordination, and student welfare—key pillars that support holistic development and academic excellence.
The ceremony attracted past Presidents of DEPOWA and NAOWA, representatives of the Presidents of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association, Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association, and Police Officers’ Wives Association, alongside the key stakeholders, members of the Parent-Teacher Association, and other well-wishers.

Highlights included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a group photograph session, marking another milestone in DEPOWA’s sustained commitment to institutional development and educational advancement.

Mrs. Adebimpe Abimbola
PRO, DEPOWA
27 February 2026

*PRESS RELEASE*

*DEPOWA LEADS HISTORIC MAIDEN JOINT WORLD CANCER DAY SUMMIT 2026*
_As Officers’ Wives Associations Unite to Advance Cancer Advocacy and Care_

The Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Police Officers’ Wives Associations (OWAs), on Wednesday 4 February 2026, united under the auspices of the Defence and Police Officers' Wives Association ( DEPOWA) to advance cancer advocacy through a Joint World Cancer Day Summit held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja.

The historic Summit, widely hailed as the first of its kind in many years, demonstrated DEPOWA’s central leadership and unifying role in convening the sister associations for a shared purpose: addressing barriers to timely cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Speaking at the summit, the Guest of Honour and President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, underscored the urgent need for sustained and coordinated action to address persistent gaps in cancer care.

She observed that despite progress in awareness and treatment, many Nigerians continued to face significant challenges, including high treatment costs, geographical limitations and inadequate health infrastructure, which hindered access to timely diagnosis and effective care.

Mrs Oluyede described World Cancer Day as more than a symbolic observance, noting that it represented a global call to action to confront the far-reaching impact of cancer on individuals, families and communities. She explained that the 2026 theme, “United by Unique,” highlighted the deeply personal nature of every cancer journey, while reinforcing the importance of unity among institutions and communities in achieving inclusive and lasting solutions.

According to her, while every cancer experience is unique, collective action remains the most powerful tool for driving meaningful change and saving lives. She commended the sister associations for their collaboration in jointly hosting the summit, describing it as a strong statement of solidarity and a renewed commitment to the fight against cancer.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: MIGRATION TO NEW OFFICIAL DEPOWA FACEBOOK PAGE

Dear Esteemed Members and Followers,

The Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) wishes to formally inform members of the migration of its official Facebook presence to a new and duly authorised page, which will henceforth serve as the Association’s primary platform for official updates, news, programmes, and engagements.

🔗 The new official DEPOWA page can be accessed via the link below:
https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587040046607

This transition has become necessary to ensure better administrative control, continuity, improved security, and more effective management of DEPOWA’s digital communications in line with current leadership and operational requirements.

While the existing page will remain accessible for a limited period, members and the general public are kindly requested to follow, like, and engage exclusively with the new page, as all official information and updates will now be published there.

We appreciate your understanding, cooperation, and continued support as we strengthen our communication channels to better serve our members and stakeholders.

Thank you for your commitment to DEPOWA.

DEPOWA
Service, Unity, and Impact

Defence and Police Officers' Wives Association DEPOWA is a Non-profit, non-governmental organization with a mission to support the welfare, empowerment, and development of military and police families in Nigeria. The Current President of the Association is Mrs Mernan Femi-Oluyede.