By Nkechi Eze
In furtherance of its longstanding mission to enhance the quality of life for families of military personnel, the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) has intensified its focus on women’s health through a major sensitisation event held in Abuja. The programme, which brought together women from various military formations, healthcare professionals, and public health advocates, was designed to promote a culture of preventive health care and mental well-being among women who often play pivotal but under-recognised roles in sustaining military communities.
DEPOWA, established to serve as a support structure for the spouses and families of military and police personnel, has over the years evolved into a proactive platform for socio-economic empowerment, education, and health advocacy. Under the leadership of its current President, Mrs. Oghogho G. Musa, the association has launched a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening the resilience of women in military environments, with wellness taking centre stage in its strategic priorities.
At the heart of Friday 4th July programme was a powerful call to action from Mrs. Musa, who, in her opening address, described the health talk not merely as another seminar, but as a “movement and a call to action.” She emphasised that while women in military families often go to great lengths to support their spouses, raise children, and participate in community service, they sometimes neglect their own health in the process, a sacrifice that can have long-term consequences.
“To serve others well, we must first be well ourselves,” she stated passionately. “Your health is not a luxury, it is your strongest uniform.”
Reaffirming DEPOWA’s deep commitment to women’s wellness, Mrs. Musa revealed plans to replicate the health talks across all six geopolitical zones of the country. According to her, the goal is to create a nationwide ripple effect that will empower more women to take ownership of their physical and mental health through awareness, education, and early intervention.
“This initiative will not stop in Abuja,” she asserted. “We are taking it to all the zones, because every woman, regardless of location, deserves to be informed, empowered, and well.”
The DEPOWA President also extended heartfelt appreciation to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Founder of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her constant encouragement and leadership in championing the cause of women’s empowerment. She further acknowledged her husband, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, for his unwavering support for DEPOWA’s activities, noting that his belief in the association’s vision continues to energise their efforts.
One of the key highlights of the programme was a comprehensive lecture on menopause, delivered by Dr. Juliette Ango, Chairperson of DEPOWA’s Sports Committee. In her presentation, Dr. Ango offered an in-depth examination of the physiological, hormonal, and psychological changes that accompany menopause, a stage in a woman’s life that is often shrouded in silence and misinformation. She encouraged open dialogue and early medical consultations as vital tools in managing menopause effectively.
“We need to normalise conversations about menopause,” she said. “Understanding the changes and preparing mentally and physically can drastically improve women’s experience and quality of life during this phase.”
Equally compelling was a presentation by Mrs. Esther Atta, National Coordinator for HIV Awareness, who focused on the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. Mrs. Atta explained that through timely antenatal care, early HIV testing, and adherence to antiretroviral therapy, the likelihood of transmitting HIV from mother to child can be dramatically reduced in some cases, to less than 1%.
“With proper antenatal care and early intervention, the chances of a child being born HIV-positive can be significantly reduced,” she emphasised, urging attendees to get tested and stay informed.
The health talk also featured on-site wellness screenings, mental health sensitisation, and interactive sessions on healthy living practices, including proper nutrition, stress management, and early signs of chronic diseases. Participants actively engaged in these sessions, demonstrating a growing awareness that health is not just a personal responsibility but a family and community imperative.
As the programme concluded, many of the women in attendance expressed a renewed commitment to prioritising their own well-being, armed with actionable knowledge and a supportive network that DEPOWA continues to build across the country. The event, beyond its immediate impact, marked a significant milestone in DEPOWA’s broader mission to foster healthier, stronger, and more resilient military families through education, support, and advocacy.
For DEPOWA, this is not just another item on the agenda, it is a foundational pillar in its vision of service, support, and sustainability. The association reaffirmed its pledge to continue championing initiatives that uplift and empower women, recognising that a healthy woman is central to a thriving home, a stable community, and by extension, a stronger nation.
