By Bavoriat Clara
The Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) has entered a new era of leadership as Mrs. Mernan Femi Oluyede formally assumed office as the 16th President, succeeding Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, at a colourful handover ceremony held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the DEPOWA Secretariat in Abuja. The event, attended by members of the Armed Forces and Police Officers’ Wives Associations, family members, and dignitaries, marked a symbolic transition of service, unity, and commitment to the welfare of military and police families across the country.
In her inaugural address, Mrs. Oluyede described her appointment as “a sacred responsibility rooted in service, compassion, national duty, and the enduring bond shared among the families of Nigeria’s Armed Forces and security services.” She pledged to consolidate on the achievements of her predecessors by strengthening family welfare and psychosocial support, empowering women through entrepreneurial and digital skills, and expanding humanitarian outreach to barracks communities nationwide.
“As our officers, soldiers, airmen, sailors, and police personnel dedicate their lives to securing our nation, we must stand as the shield behind the shield, protecting and strengthening the families who defend the nation,” she said.
Mrs. Oluyede expressed deep appreciation to her predecessor, Mrs. Oghogho Musa, for her visionary and compassionate leadership, describing her as “a big sister whose legacy of service will continue to inspire generations of DEPOWA members.” She also commended the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), for his commitment to family welfare and his supportive role in enhancing the association’s programmes and partnerships.
Reaffirming her commitment to continuity, unity, and collaboration among sister associations — the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA), and Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) — Mrs. Oluyede emphasized that their collective effort remains essential to the wellbeing of security families. “Working together, DEPOWA and its sister associations remain one united family in service to our nation: One Mission. One Sisterhood. One Nigeria,” she declared.
Earlier in her farewell address titled “A Tribute of Gratitude,” the outgoing President, Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, expressed profound appreciation to God, members of DEPOWA, and all who supported her throughout her over two-year tenure. She described her time in office as a humbling and rewarding experience defined by compassion, teamwork, and resilience.
Reflecting on her stewardship, Mrs. Musa highlighted several key milestones achieved under her leadership. These include women empowerment and skills development initiatives that promoted self-reliance among members, welfare programmes that improved living conditions across barracks, and educational interventions for children of service personnel.
She particularly cited the establishment of DEPOWA College as one of the landmark achievements of her administration — a legacy project envisioned to provide quality education, leadership training, and moral development for children of military and police officers. “I had the honour of laying its foundation and advancing its vision, and it is my earnest prayer that God will bless the hands that will complete and expand it,” she said.
Mrs. Musa also recalled the strengthened cooperation between DEPOWA and its sister associations, as well as international collaborations in Senegal and Rwanda, which opened new frontiers for humanitarian engagement. She represented DEPOWA on global platforms, including the MODHIP–WRAIR Nigeria partnership celebrations, which focused on health, research, and the wellbeing of military families.
Paying glowing tribute to wives of military and police officers, Mrs. Musa described them as “women of resilience, sacrifice, and immeasurable strength” who continue to serve as silent pillars of courage behind the uniforms. She extended heartfelt words of comfort to widows of fallen heroes, assuring them that “they will never walk alone.”
Turning to her husband, the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), she expressed deep gratitude for his love, humility, and steadfast support throughout her tenure. “Your service to our great nation, your honour, humility, and devotion to family have been my anchor,” she noted.
Concluding her remarks, Mrs. Musa urged members to support the new leadership with the same loyalty and sisterhood that defined her administration, stating that “true leadership is not measured by the position we hold, but by the lives we uplift and the love we leave behind.”
The ceremony also featured a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Okosun, who expressed appreciation to all guests and organisers for their contributions to the success of the event. “We are excited to embark on this new chapter with our new President and have great confidence in her vision and leadership,” she remarked.
The handover event was marked by a blend of emotion, gratitude, and renewed commitment — a seamless passing of the torch between two visionary women dedicated to advancing the values of service, unity, and empowerment within the DEPOWA family.
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