By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) has urged soldiers’ wives to strike a balance between parenting, entrepreneurship and personal well-being in order to strengthen their families and communities.

President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, gave the charge during a personal development training for members of the Defence Non-Commissioned Officers’ Wives Association (DENCOWA) on Thursday in Abuja.

She said the theme of the training, “Balancing Intentional Parenting, Entrepreneurship, and Personal Well-Being,” reflected the daily realities of women who juggle responsibilities as wives, mothers and entrepreneurs.

Musa emphasised that true empowerment begins at home and extends into business, community and nation.

According to her, empowering the wives of non-commissioned officers would not only strengthen their families but also uplift the entire Armed Forces community.

“As the saying goes, ‘If you educate a woman, you educate a nation.

“I would add that if you empower the wife of a soldier, you strengthen the very backbone of national security,” she said.

The DEPOWA president also reminded participants that self-care was not selfish but essential for effective parenting and entrepreneurship.

She commended the facilitators for their role in the programme and urged participants to take the lessons home for the benefit of their families and communities.

She said the training was informed by the realisation that a gap existed between parenting and entrepreneurship among barracks women.

According to her, many of the women felt it was okay not to engage in any productive activity.

“At the same time, some are not paying enough attention to their own well-being and if they don’t take care of themselves, they can’t properly care for their children or families.

“So, we felt it was important to bring in trainers who would help them learn and improve in these areas,” she said.

The President of DENCOWA, Mrs Nancy Ezia, thanked the President of DEPOWA for paying attention to the needs of the wives of soldiers.

She expressed optimism that many of the women who do not have businesses would take advantage of the training programme, while those who already had businesses would learn how to expand them.

“Our goal is to see growth, both personally and economically.

“I feel great. In fact, all of us feel fulfilled. You can see the excitement among the women. It has been a very impactful and intelligent training.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training featured presentation lectures on Personal Well-being for Purposeful Living; Entrepreneurship Development for Economic Empowerment and Intentional Parenting. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba