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Defence/Security

Association seeks end to sexual abuse in barracks community

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Musa, has advocated effective collaboration to address the menace of sexual exploitation and abuse, especially in military barracks.

She stated this at a seminar with the theme: “Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse,” to mark her one year in office as the 15th President of DEPOWA, on Saturday in Abuja.

Musa said the menace was prevalent in the society, adding that many occurrences were unreported without exemption of barracks community and its environs.

According to her, the event is an opportunity to discuss the issue and echoed the voice of Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary General in stating that, “sexual exploitation and abuse have no place in our society.

“We recognise the severity of the consequences and we aim to work towards reducing its prevalence within our communities and immediate environs.

“We also thought it necessary to sensitise the youth on the menace of drug abuse and how to avoid it so they can have a promising future.

“In all of these, it is important to know who you are, know what you want to achieve in life and develop some personal values that will guide you into achieving your goals”.

The DEPOWA president said that resource persons have been brought in, to guide barracks teenagers and youth to be able to adopt the lessons from the sessions, into their daily living and eventually attain the future they desired.

She pledged support to the victims who report any form of sexual exploitation, or attempt to be initiated into the use of illicit substances within the barracks’ domain.

She urged the authorities to investigate reported cases to address the menace, adding that,  “indeed, perpetrators ought to be held accountable”.

According  to her, the event is being organised to celebrate the association’s significant milestone, reflect on its achievements, acknowledge their challenges and look forward to the future.

She said the association had in the past one year, done as much as it could in making positive impacts in the lives of youths and women, especially the vulnerable within their sphere of influence.

“As we all know, DEPOWA is the melting pot that unifies wives of serving officers’ in the Armed Forces and the Police.

“I am glad to note that we have witnessed remarkable achievements from the various spousal associations that make up DEPOWA and by God’s grace we will continue to impact lives within and outside the barracks communities in diverse ways.

“The activities of DEPOWA within the past one year have focused on adding value in the lives of women and youth, especially in the areas of healthcare, fitness, education, agriculture and skills training.

“All of these align with my vision of “Seeing Women and Girls Become Productive and Contributors to Family and Society Driven by Deep Sense of Values and Hard-Working Spirit”.

“We will not relent in our efforts to keep touching lives in ways that are necessary,” she added.

One of the resource persons, Dr Chika Anozie, said that alcohol, illicit drugs and substance abuse have their negative impact on young people.

Anozie, who delivered a paper titled, “the Risk of Teenage Drug Abuse: Prevention and Awareness,” enjoined the youths to take charge of their environment, circle of friends, and peer pressure.

According to her, there have been 20 per cent increase in drug use in the past 10 years, and that Africa will experience the largest growth in absolute numbers of drug users while four of 10 drug users in Africa will be youths by 2030.

On her part, Dr Olajumoke Jenyo, who presented a paper titled: “Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: Prevention and Response,” said that two of every 10 male child have been sexually abused.

She said that more of sensitisation was required to address the menace of sexual abuse in the society, saying that more girls have been victims of such abuse unreported. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Abiemwense Moru

Defence/Security

DEPOWA President pledges continuous support for military widows

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Mrs Oghogho Musa, the President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), on Friday, pledged continuous support for wives of fallen heroes of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Musa said this at the commemoration of the 2024 International Widows Day in Abuja.

She said the day was set aside by the United Nations to raise awareness on the plight of widows worldwide and to advocate for their rights and well-being.

Musa said that widows had historically been left unseen, unsupported and unmeasured in many societies, emphasising the need to support them.

She stressed the need to bring widows’ needs to the forefront and ensure their voices are heard.

According to her, the day serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by widows and the need to address their unique social, economic, health and legal issues.

“Widows particularly in developing countries, often experience discrimination, social isolation and economic hardship following the death of their husbands.

“They may face obstacles in inheriting property, accessing education and healthcare and participating in the workforce.

“Many widows and their children are trapped in a cycle of poverty, vulnerability and marginalization,’’ she said.

Musa said that the day was earmarked to honour the strength of women, their resilience and courage.

“We acknowledge the pain and the loss you have endured, but we also celebrate your determination and your refusal to be defined by grief.

“We recognise that your journey is not easy, that there are days when the darkness feels overwhelming but we want to remind you that you are not alone.

“You have your loved ones and you have a global community such as DEPOWA that stands with you in solidarity,” she said.

The DEPOWA president recalled that the association had over the years, impacted positively on wives of fallen heroes, youths and less privileged through empowerments, sponsorships, donations and trainings.

She said some wives of fallen heroes and youths recently were trained at the DEPOWA Skills Acquisition Centre, on bag making, ICT, production of household items, hair making, tying of gele, tailoring and culinary.

According to her, the essence of the programmes is to assist them to be financially independent, confident to thrive and contribute positively to their communities.

She reiterated the commitment of DEPOWA towards assisting the wives of fallen heroes to ensure they were not marginalised, stigmatised but celebrated and empowered.

Earlier, Dr Juliette Ango, a Consultant, Public Health Physician, said that part of the problems associated with widows included health issues, poverty, violence and finances.

Ango called for empowerment of widows and regular medical screening to check their health status.

According to her, it is so sad to say that women are known to take care of others and do forget to take care of themselves, especially their blood pressure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured medical outreach for widows and empowerment lectures on health, finance and managing widowhood. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Deji Abdulwahab

Defence/Security

DEPOWA empowers 102 barracks youths with skills

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA),  on Wednesday, graduated 102 barracks youths from its Skills Acquisition Centre as part of its empowerment programmes for the vulnerable in the society.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the association graduated three batches of trainees nominated by the various officers wives associations under defence.

The trainees were taught on various aspects of skills such as catering services, fashion designing, hair making/gele tying, bag making, computer appreciation, barbing and household items production.

The President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, said the graduation was an affirmation of DEPOWA’s well-known passion and commitment towards empowering the women, youths and other vulnerable members of the barracks and beyond.

Musa said it was in line with her vision of “Seeing Women and Girls Become Productive and Contributors to Family and Society Driven by Deep Sense of Values and Hard-working Spirit”.

She said the trainees were inaugurated on the Oct. 9, 2023 with 106 beneficiaries comprising 84 women and 22 men.

According to her, each of the participant’s training was fully funded by DEPOWA and all of them were provided with essential basic training materials and placed on monthly stipends of N10,000 to cater for their logistics and personal needs.

“It is also noteworthy that in spite of the limited funds at our disposal, we had to undertake a thorough renovation of the Centre and provided it with new equipment to ensure conducive learning environment prior to commencement of the training.

“This was necessary in view of the fact that all the departments of the Centre were in a deplorable state and with obsolete facilities.

“Permit me to further inform you that  Batches 14, 15 and 16 of 2023 trainees who are graduating today were nominated from the various sister-associations under DEPOWA.

“Considerations were, however, given to wives of fallen heroes and vulnerable youths within and outside the barrack community.

“They were exposed to intensive trainings based on the reviewed training curriculum of the Centre.

“The curriculum review was necessitated by the need to ensure that our trainees were adequately equipped with the right knowledge and contemporary skills to enable them have comparative advantage with their counterparts when they leave this centre,” she said.

DEPOWA president expressed confidence that the graduating trainees had all acquired requisite skills in their chosen areas of endeavor.

According to her, the training will guarantee them self-sustenance, assist their families in the nearest future and ultimately become useful members of the society.

She thanked the service chiefs and all the senior officers who contributed to the success of the skills acquisition trainings and all other DEPOWA endeavors.

Mrs Musa urged the trainees to make sure that they fully and responsibly utilise every opportunity that comes their way as well as being bold, brave, disciplined and continue to improve upon the crafts they have learnt from the centre.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, said the graduation marked a significant milestone in the lives of the beneficiaries, saying they stand on the threshold of a new chapter filled with opportunities and possibilities.

Musa commended the graduating trainees for their hard work, dedication and perseverance, adding that the graduation was a testament to their commitment to personal and professional growth.

He also commended the president of DEPOWA and wives of service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police for their determination to assist the wives of fallen heroes and the vulnerable in the barrack community and beyond.

He lauded DEPOWA for nurturing talents and fostering a conducive learning environment that has played a pivotal role in shaping the future leaders and innovators.

The CDS enjoined the trainees to embrace the journey ahead with courage, passion and resilience.

In her remarks, the First President of DEPOWA, Mrs Esther Bali, expressed delight with the progress so far made by the successive leadership of DEPOWA and their commitment to its vision.

Bali congratulated the trainees for successfully passing through the training and urged them to utilize the knowledge acquired for the betterment of the future

She said that while academic qualifications were important, it would be sufficient to complement them with diverse set skills.

She said the combination would enable individuals to successfully navigate the job market as both jobs seekers and successful independent entrepreneurs in respective skills.

According to her, the solution of unemployment and empowerment lies in entrepreneurship and self-made business through skills acquisition. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Isaac Aregbesola

Defence/Security

Ex-minister advocates women empowerment to protect children’s future

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen, has called on the society to support the empowerment of women to be able to protect the future of their children.

Tallen made the call on Saturday, in Abuja at an event organised by the Defence and Police officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), in commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024.

The event is with the theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate the Diversity and Empowerment of Women”.

She said IWD was set aside to amplify the need of women in all facets of national development, saying that the nation would not be able to get things right without women being at the decision table.

The former minister said the country needed more women at the helms of affairs in the country, urging men to emulate President Bola Tinubu who encouraged his wife to be a senator for three terms.

“We also need to encourage men to support their wives to be on the decision making table so that laws that would protect the rights of women would be made to protect the family.

“This is because the women always think of the family and the family includes our children both boys and girls.

“Equality must start from home. As parents we must teach our children to respect one another and have the fear of God so that we can have a better country,” she said.

Tallen also urged the wives of the military personnel and other security agencies to continue to stand in prayer for their husbands while they strive to restore peace to every part of the country.

“I am calling on all of them to stand in prayers for your husbands because the role of the woman is to be the engine room of prayers.

“The security challenges facing Nigeria can only be solve through prayers and I am happy to state clearly that the wife of the defence chief is a woman of prayers and a prayer warrior.

“I call on her to engage the wives of other service chiefs to engage in prayers for the president, wife of the president and especially security chiefs because they are the ones fighting insecurity across the country.

“I believe when women pray something happens,” she added.

The President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa speaking at the DEPOWA International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024 in Abuja on Saturday (9/3/24)

The President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, said the event was organised in line with commitment of DEPOWA under her leadership to empowering women.

Musa said that when women are empowered, they would be able to impact their communities, their environment and essentially the society at large.

She said that “Inspire Inclusion” was adopted as the theme for the year with its main goal being to encourage everyone to recognise the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life so towards forging a better world.

According to her, the key word here is being ‘Encouraging” challenges us to showcase our values and worth individually and collectively as a group whenever the opportunity arises.

“As women, we often experience systemic barriers and discrimination in workplace, politics and other various aspects of our everyday interactions. We should not be discouraged and also not view these situations as gender matters only, but as matters of human rights concerns.

“The great women we celebrate across the world and back home in Nigeria were not deterred by these circumstances.

“Their achievements would continue to serve as lessons for us to draw inspirations to enable us face our daily endeavors,” she said.

Musa urged all women groups and professionals to be steadfast, use their positions and seize the opportunity presented to them to inspire more inclusion of women in the decision-making, leadership and development of the society.

She said that DEPOWA recently recorded a milestone, when it constructed a Maternity Centre in the Nigerian Defence Academy Hospital in Kaduna and named it after the immediate past president, Mrs Vickie Irabor.

The project, according to her, was conceived and executed in line with the ideals and principles DEPOWA stands for and also in resonance with her vision for the association.

She said her vision was to see women and girls become productive and contributors to family and society, driven by a deep sense of values and a hardworking spirit.

According to her, the very first step to achieving this is to provide facilities which could potentially reduce maternal mortality rate and guarantee the survival and wellbeing of mothers.

“Also, we shall continue to improve the quality of training at the DEPOWA Skills Acquisition Centre by upgrading the facilities and expanding the programs offered too,” she added.

A resource person, Mrs Jiritmwa Goyit, said inclusion encourages everyone to recognise the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalised communities.

The Social and Gender Advocate said that investing in women was a way to promote gender equity and empower women economically.

Goyit stressed the need for investment in women’s financial inclusion was particularly critical in Nigeria, where a study revealed a concerning 12 per cent gender gap.

This, according to her, means that women are significantly less likely than men to have access to formal financial services. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Isaac Aregbesola

Defence/Security

DEPOWA president tasks members on self-discovery

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Musa,  has tasked wives of military personnel to strive towards achieving their individual dreams.

Musa stated this at the opening of a two-day visioning and Planning Workshop organised by DEPOWA for wives of military personnel on Monday in Abuja.

Represented by Mrs Helen Kangye, Musa said the workshop was organised to create a balance and fulfillment for the women to realize their dreams.

According to her, apart from the complex roles they play as wives, professionals and caregivers, women often find themselves entangled in family responsibilities that hinder them from actualising their dreams.

Mrs Musa therefore urged them not to give up,  but rise above the challenges that hold them back in taking the right steps in actualising those dreams.

“It is important to note that within one lies so much untapped potentials, and coming together to awaken those potentials is important.”

She said they must circumbent the challenges to ensure a better future for themselves.

“It is against this backdrop that the workshop was organised to address the issue of lack of vision.

“It is expected of us to engage in meaningful discussions and adopt actionable strategies aimed at empowering each other to take decisive steps towards our goals,” she said.

The Resource Person and Founder Vision Academy, Celina Unogwu, defined personal vision as the process of creating a clear and compelling mental image of what the person wants to achieve or become in future.

Unogwu said that personal vision involves defining a purpose, mission, vision, values, and desires for different aspects of life.

According to her, personal vision is a foundation, direction and inspiration which ignites passion and enthusiasm to succeed.

She therefore urged the women to focus and prioritise, and have the resilience to achieve their dreams. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdul Hassa/Maharazu Ahmed

Defence/Security

Group hails DEPOWA president on efforts against breast cancer

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Women for Society Enhancement (WSE), a women advocacy group, has commended the President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Musa, for her initiative to tackle breast cancer among barracks’ women.

This is contained in a statement by the Convener of the group, Mrs Modele Akande, on Monday in Abuja.

The President of DEPOWA has on Saturday, at the bi-monthly DEPOWA Health Walk, announced the sponsorship of 20 barracks women between the ages of 40 and above to undergo mammogram.

Mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast used by doctors to look for and detects early signs of breast cancer.

Akande said the various initiatives aimed at making life meaningful for wives of personnel and women from all the services and the police would further boost morale of the personnel in tackling security challenges facing the country.

She said the DEPOWA president had since assumption of office in June hit the ground running with several initiatives.

Akande said that Mrs Musa had continued to elevate the status of DEPOWA as well as sustained the structures she met on ground.

According to her, breast cancer is one of the prevalent causes of death among women and has remained a source of concern.

“We want to commend the DEPOWA President for the initiative aimed at tackling breast cancer which knows no boundary.

“We are very sure this will further boost morale of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria as they continue to make sacrifices for the peace and stability of our country,” the group said. (NAN) (www.nnannews.ng).

Defence/Security

Mrs Irabor calls for timely completion of trauma centre

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The immediate past President of Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Vickie Irabor, has urged her successor, Mrs Oghogho Musa, to ensure timely completion of the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Centre initiated by the association.

Irabor made the call during a dinner and send-off ceremony organised in her honour by DEPOWA on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, in October 2022 laid the foundation for the construction of the centre at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment in Giri, Abuja.

The centre was designed to care for the mental health of military and police personnel and their families who were involved in security operations.

Mrs Irabor said that the centre was a pioneering effort in Africa, and will benefit the military community for generations to come.

“The past CDS and service chiefs sponsored the project 100 per cent from beginning to where it was when I handed over to my successor, Mrs Musa.

“It is my prayer that God will give Mrs Musa the grace to complete this project so that we can all come for the commissioning and begin to access the facility for healthy mental health of the military family,” she said.

Mrs Irabor said her journey as wife of a military officer and DEPOWA leader had its challenges, accolades, and trials, adding that each obstacle she faced came with opportunity to create positive changes, especially for the vulnerable in the society.

She said her tenure included bringing succour to widows and orphans of fallen heroes, with over 300 widows and orphans trained at the DEPOWA Skills Acquisition Centre.

Mrs Irabor added that she also undertook several infrastructural projects across military barracks, as well as many humanitarian interventions.

According to her, she also wrote a book, “The Journey of a Military Wife”, to document her experiences and inspire women.

Earlier, the President of DEPOWA, Mrs Musa, said the event was to celebrate Mrs Irabor as ”a true pillar” of the association, who sustained the legacies of past DEPOWA Presidents.

She said that Mrs Irabor’s steadfastness, commitment and unwavering dedication helped to nurture a culture of collaboration, innovation and “unforgettable and remarkable successes” in the association.

She added that Mrs Irabor’s tenure ensured very supportive environment that uplifted the lives of women, youth and the vulnerable in the society.

Mrs Musa also commended all past presidents of the association for their invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the association, which positively impacted humanity.

She promised to do her best to add value to all as  she steers the affairs of DEPOWA.

NAN reports that the event was attended by some past DEPOWA presidents, including Mrs Fatima Ogohi, Mrs Aliero Azazi, and Mrs Mary Bade, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Defence/Security

DEPOWA marks cancer awareness month, donates medical equipment

Some medical equipment donated by DEPOWA to the Defence Headquarters Medical Centre on Wednesday in Abuja

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), on Wednesday in Abuja donated medical equipment to the Defence Headquarters Medical Centre, as part of a 3-Day medical outreach to mark the global Cancer Awareness Month.

The equipment donated included a CTG machine, Phototherapy machine, Ultrasound Machine, Examination couch and screens among others.

The President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, said the DHQ medical centre has been providing quality health services to officers and their families and the donation was to appreciate their efforts, challenges and gaps, with a view to support the facility.

According to her, the goal of the medical outreach is to reach out, create awareness, sensitise women and children on common health conditions and preventive practices.

“This is because Nigeria has one of the highest death rates among women and children, hence my passion towards supporting quality provision of maternal and child health services.

“Furthermore, October is a breast cancer awareness month, and this is important because breast cancer is the second commonest cancer in the world, while cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women.

“These two conditions have taken lot of lives of our women and we also have positive stories of survivors amongst us which informed my 3-day medical outreach,” she added.

The DEPOWA president said they would create awareness on breast and cervical cancers, and focus on prevention and teaching women how to examine their breast at home to detect lumps early, because early detection saves lives.

She said the association would also provide free cervical cancer screening and Blood pressure check to more than 200 wives of non-commissioned officers.

“We will sensitise more than 200 adolescent girls from all tri-service schools on HPV Infection and its vaccine to prevent their generation from cervical cancer.

“Also, the children will not be left out, as DEPOWA will reach out to orphans and vulnerable children including children of our fallen heroes to encourage them on healthy practices, deworm them, provide medical services and support them with school supplies.

“Lastly, the program will round up with free medical check-up for DEPOWA members and a road march/aerobics exercise to encourage our women to be physically active and take care of their health,” Mrs Musa said.

The president also said that the association would conduct free cancer screening for 1,000 barracks women, after the initial 200 beneficiaries.

In his remarks, the Commander, DHQ Medical Centre, Navy Capt. Victor Igboezue, thanked the DEPOWA president for the visit and donation to the hospital and patients.

He said that the gesture would go a long way in ensuring efficient service delivery, and pledged to ensure proper deployment and maintenance of the equipment.

According to him, cervical cancer screening is very important, as the disease now affects both the aged and young women.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the breast and cervical cancer prevention talk, medical experts educated women on the need for regular check up to ensure early detection. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Maharazu Ahmed

Defence/Security

DEPOWA commences empowerment of widows, seeks Army’s support

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The President, Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Musa, says the association will commence training of widows drawn from the military and police by the end of September.

The president made this known when she led the leadership of all the officers’ wives associations from the services and police on courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Thursday in Abuja.

The DEPOWA boss said the move was one of integral objectives of the organisation.

According to her, the association has over the years, touched so many lives positively through skill acquisition and empowerment programmes

She said the association had helped in providing schooling facilities, charity and economic growth opportunities to the less privilege amongst others.

”Having carried out a needs assessment, we intend to do more for the youth in the barracks through skill acquisition programs, more knowledge in Information Technology (IT) and to further reduce poverty.

“We have begun reaching out to the most vulnerable in our various barracks and surrounding communities.

“We intend to commence the training of widows drawn from all the associations by the end of this month which is one of the integral objectives of the Association.

“We intend to embark on various campaigns and initiatives to support women development and also pay visits to orphanages and Internally Displaced Persons camps outside the military community.

“We will also pay visit to wounded soldiers to provide additional aid for their recovery as being part of the Armed Forces Peace Building agenda all channeled towards the non-kinetic support in the fight against terrorism,” she said.

The DEPOWA president said the support of the chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police was needed to be able to cover all the identified target support areas.

She said that their activities, dreams and aspirations would only come to fulfilment with the cooperation and extensive insight of their husbands, adding that they were fully ready to keep contributing their part in nation building.

“I wish to formally congratulate you on your appointment as the COAS and we pray that God will continue to grant you the strength as you tackle insecurity to the barest minimum.

“I pray that God in his infinite mercies continue to give you the strength and grace to deliver,” she added.

Responding, the COAS commended DEPOWA for standing as a unified force of the officers’ wives association in various services and the police and also extending their activities beyond the barracks community.

Lagbaja said the activities of DEPOWA as highlighted by the president, fitted into his command philosophy on sound administration.

Lagbaja said the military needed an association like DEPOWA to act as a bridge between them and the larger contingent of their children, wards and the people that reside inside the barracks and cantonment.

He pledged that the Army Headquarters would continue to partner with DEPOWA to extend the frontier of their reaching out to the home fronts.

The COAS added that his command philosophy recognised that the support of the home front was key, urging the association to ensure that its lofty objectives were translated into key deliverables in the barracks.

“We will continue to provide the support and we will continue to intervene in whatever area that the DEPOWA seeks the supports of the army headquarters.

“We want to thanks you for looking in the direction of our widows and less privileged in our barracks to embark on skill acquisition programme and even the training in ICT for our youths.

“Be rest assured of the supports of at headquarters in this drive and other laudable initiatives of DEPOWA,” he said.

Lagbaja said that there was nexus between the home front and the frontline, saying that the stability of the home fronts would translate into successes in the frontline. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Defence/Security

Women group hails military wive’s empowerment of youth, women

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Women Economic and Security Protection Group, an NGO, has commended the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) for empowering women and youths in barracks to be self-reliant.

The President of the group, Mrs Fatima Bello, in a statement on Tuesday, also commended the new DEPOWA President, Mrs Oghogho Musa for sustaining the empowerment programmes of the association.

Bello said the recent graduation of some youths trained on various vocational trades, and presentation of food items to about 60 widows, will boost the morale of troops engaged in operations across the country.

She said the skill acquisition programme sponsored by DEPOWA in Abuja, featured training in cosmetology, make-up, and gele tying, as well as production of cosmetics and detergent, among others.

Bello added that this would reassure troops in the frontline to sacrifice more for peace to reign in the country, as the skills acquired by the beneficiaries would enable them create a better future for themselves and their families.

She appreciated the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa for supporting DEPOWA, saying it was an indication of his continuous cordial relationship with troops as seen during his time in the North-East.

“This is a clear message from DEPOWA and the CDS to troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria that their sacrifices were well appreciated.

“It is also a message that widows and family members of departed personnel of the AFN will not be abandoned.

“We however continue to pray that our troops making sacrifices for peace and stability will return home safely after their stay in the battlefield,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Saidu Adamu/Maharazu Ahmed