By Milcah Tanimu
Mrs. Oghogho Musa, the President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), has announced that the organization will begin training widows from the military and police by the end of September as part of its core objectives.
During a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, in Abuja, Mrs. Musa highlighted DEPOWA’s longstanding commitment to positively impacting lives through skill acquisition and empowerment programs, education support, charity work, and economic growth initiatives for the less privileged.
Mrs. Musa explained that after conducting a needs assessment, DEPOWA plans to expand its efforts by offering skill acquisition programs, enhanced Information Technology (IT) training, and poverty reduction measures for youths in military barracks.
She further revealed that DEPOWA will begin training widows associated with various officers’ wives associations by the end of the month. Additionally, the association will launch campaigns and initiatives to support women’s development, visit orphanages, and Internally Displaced Persons camps outside the military community.
Mrs. Musa stressed that these efforts are part of the Armed Forces Peace Building agenda, focusing on non-kinetic support in the fight against terrorism. She also emphasized the need for support from the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, and the Inspector General of Police to cover all identified target support areas.
In response, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja commended DEPOWA for its unity and extended activities beyond the barracks community. He stated that DEPOWA’s activities align with his command philosophy on sound administration and highlighted the association’s role as a bridge between the military and the larger community residing in barracks and cantonments.
Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja pledged the Army Headquarters’ ongoing partnership with DEPOWA to expand their outreach to the home fronts. He emphasized that support from the home front is crucial for military success and encouraged DEPOWA to translate its objectives into tangible outcomes within the barracks.
In conclusion, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja stressed the importance of stability on the home front, noting its direct impact on the frontline’s success in addressing security challenges.
