By Bavoriat Clara
Known for championing welfare and community development, the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) has again etched its name in history — this time with the commissioning of a 38-bed maternity centre at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Hospital, Afaka, Kaduna State.
The President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Oghogho Musa, yesterday led the inauguration of the ultramodern facility. It will be recalled that Mrs. Musa had earlier performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the project in January 2025 and also graced the commissioning as Special Guest of Honour.
In a statement issued by the Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the project was constructed, equipped, and donated by members of the NDA 38 Regular Course (RC) Association, of which the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, is both a member and patron. The facility is expected to enhance healthcare services within the NDA and surrounding communities. Services to be provided include childbirth, antenatal, postnatal care, and family planning.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Project Execution Committee, Rear Admiral Murtala Bashir (Rtd), expressed appreciation to the Patron of the 38 RC Association, General Musa, as well as Service Chiefs, the NDA Commandant, and all members and contributors who made the project a reality. He disclosed that the ultramodern maternity centre is equipped with consulting rooms, an operating theatre, and other essential facilities. He also called on the wives of the 38 RC members, known as the Unique 38 Ladies, through the DEPOWA President, to continue supporting the centre.
A major highlight of the occasion was the formal handover of the facility by the President of the 38 RC Association, Major General Solomon Udounwa, to the NDA Commandant, Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim, followed by group photographs.
Dignitaries at the event included the representative of the Vice President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeja, who is the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President; representatives of Service Chiefs; the NDA Commandant; members of the Unique 38 Ladies; executives and members of DEPOWA; as well as serving and retired senior officers.
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