By Bavoriat Clara
The President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, has unveiled a landmark initiative to provide full scholarships for children of Nigeria’s fallen military and police officers, ensuring access to quality education and brighter opportunities.
Mrs. Musa made the announcement on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in Asaba. She disclosed that DEPOWA is establishing the Future Leaders Academy—a world-class national reference school in Abuja conceived as a living legacy in honor of Nigeria’s fallen heroes.
According to a statement signed on Thursday by DEPOWA’s Liaison Officer, Major H.T. Tagwai, the first phase of the Academy will be commissioned in September 2026. It will offer free, automatic scholarships to qualified children of fallen officers while also admitting children from host communities to promote national unity and cohesion.
“This Academy will forever symbolize our promise that the sacrifices of our gallant heroes will never be forgotten,” Mrs. Musa said. “Every qualified child of a fallen hero will be empowered with the tools, education, and confidence to shape their destinies and lead with distinction.”
She further revealed that the visit coincided with a training seminar for widows of fallen heroes from Delta, Edo, Anambra, and Enugu States. The program, she explained, is designed to provide emotional support, financial literacy, and empowerment skills to help widows overcome the trauma of loss and rebuild their lives.
The DEPOWA President also highlighted the association’s “Thank You to Our Troops” Campaign—a 12-month nationwide initiative aimed at appreciating, celebrating, and supporting serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and Police.
While commending Governor Oborevwori’s administration for its strides in women and youth empowerment, particularly ICT training and skill acquisition initiatives, Mrs. Musa stressed the importance of partnerships in driving social impact.
Governor Oborevwori, in his remarks, applauded DEPOWA’s humanitarian efforts and pledged his administration’s continued support for widows, orphans, and families of military and police personnel in Delta State.
DEPOWA, a non-governmental organization, brings together the spousal associations of Nigeria’s security services—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). Originally formed as a platform for companionship and mutual support, the association has grown into a humanitarian body, providing scholarships, health programs, vocational training, and care for widows and orphans nationwide.
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