By Ruth Dabo
The Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) have graduated 130 trainees from its Skills Acquisition Centre in Abuja, celebrating a key milestone in empowering widows, vulnerable individuals, and families of Nigeria’s servicemen and women through structured vocational training and self-reliance programmes.
The DEPOWA President Mrs. Mernan Femi Oluyede, wife of Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, delivered the welcome address, describing the occasion as a profound celebration of transformation, resilience, and opportunity. She noted that Batch 18/2025 marked the first graduation under her leadership since assuming office in late 2025.
Mrs. Oluyede highlighted the programme’s unwavering mission to support widows, orphans, vulnerable persons, and youth from families where breadwinners serve the nation, often absent due to duty.
According to her, all graduates would receive starter packs to launch their own enterprises with dignity, reducing dependency. Praising the trainees’ exemplary conduct with no cases of indiscipline recorded as commended their discipline, teamwork, and maturity throughout the rigorous training.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, represented by Rear Admiral Saburi Lawal (Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations) in his keynote address, commended DEPOWA’s sustained and impactful empowerment initiatives, which promote economic self-reliance, dignity of labour, and sustainable livelihoods within barracks communities.
He underscored the value of civil-military collaboration in youth empowerment, family support, and national development and urged the graduates to apply their skills with discipline, integrity, innovation, and a commitment to continuous learning, while reaffirming the Armed Forces’ ongoing support for programmes that strengthen families and build a more productive society.
Also, Former DEPOWA President Mrs. Oghogho G. Musa expressed humility and excitement in her remarks, reflecting on the programme she pioneered. She conveyed joy at seeing her initial vision come to fruition, thanked God for guiding the entire journey, and commended the current President for effectively taking up and advancing the initiative with strong dedication, ensuring continued empowerment for many lives.
Similarly, the Coordinator Major PJ Anaya presented a detailed overview of the batch’s activities. He said the 130 trainees (55 widows, 15 vulnerable persons, and 56 sponsored by organisations and individuals) began training in February and June 2025. They acquired skills in fashion designing, culinary arts, bag-making, hairdressing, make-up and gele tying, production, and computer appreciation.
Major Anaya highlighted the centre’s world-class facilities, qualified and well-remunerated instructors, internet connectivity, mindset-transforming attitudinal lecture series, mandatory internships, and weekly feeding support provided five times a week courtesy of the President. Sponsorship included 65 trainees by DEPOWA, with additional support from the Defence and Intelligence Officers’ Wives Association, Nigerian Defence Academy Officers’ Wives Association, Military Pension Board Officers’ Wives Association, Self-Guard Battalion, and individuals.
Accordingly, all graduates obtained Grade 2 and Grade 3 certifications from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, enhancing their market competitiveness. He commended their exceptional performance, assimilation, teamwork, and collective cooperation before inviting them to stand for recognition.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Grace Attachibe expressed profound gratitude to God, DEPOWA leadership, instructors, administrative staff, families, sponsors, and distinguished guests. She acknowledged how the programme had instilled confidence, professionalism, and the readiness to pursue dreams and contribute meaningfully to society and national development.
The ceremony underscored unity among Officers’ Wives Associations and military leadership, symbolizing shared purpose in uplifting families impacted by service sacrifices and boosting morale among serving personnel. With starter packs in hand, the Batch 18/2025 graduates are poised to establish enterprises, sustain their households independently, and drive positive change across communities.
admin