By Nkechi Eze
The Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) has launched its nationwide “Thank You Troops” campaign in Borno State, with a resounding endorsement from Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, who pledged stronger institutional support for wounded soldiers, widows, and orphans of fallen heroes.
The initiative, championed by DEPOWA President Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, seeks to honour the sacrifices of frontline troops, provide assistance to wounded-in-action, and extend critical support to families of deceased military and police personnel. Leading a high-powered delegation to the Government House in Maiduguri on Monday, Mrs. Musa commended Governor Zulum for what she described as “unwavering and practical” support to security forces and their dependants.
“I must begin by commending Your Excellency for your unwavering and practical support to the Armed Forces and security agencies in the fight against insurgency, a fight that has cost so much yet remains critical to our nation’s survival,” Mrs. Musa said. She praised the governor’s social welfare initiatives, citing his scholarship programmes for children of fallen heroes, targeted empowerment of widows, and broader social intervention schemes as “shining examples of compassionate leadership in action.”
Explaining the decision to launch the campaign in Borno, Mrs. Musa described the state as “the heart of the fight” against insurgency and lauded Governor Zulum’s resilience in steering the state through years of conflict. She reaffirmed DEPOWA’s resolve to complement government efforts in uplifting widows, orphans, youths, and the less-privileged, both within military barracks and in wider civilian communities.
Governor Zulum, welcoming the delegation, pledged to be a “champion” of the campaign, declaring: “My doors are always open to partner with you to support the wounded-in-action, widows, and orphans of deceased military personnel, to give them a sense of belonging.” He also reflected on the severe conditions faced by troops stationed in insurgency-affected communities such as Baga before resettlement, emphasising his administration’s ongoing efforts to return displaced persons to their ancestral homes as part of a broader strategy to consolidate military gains.
The governor further commended DEPOWA’s persistence and urged the adoption of policies that would allow troops to reunite with their families periodically, stressing the importance of such measures for morale and wellbeing. He extended praise to the Chief of Defence Staff, the service chiefs, the Theatre Commander, and all troops for their gallantry, resilience, and unwavering dedication to restoring peace in the Northeast and across Nigeria.
Highlights of the President’s two-day visit included a courtesy visit to the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar; visits to wounded soldiers at the 7 Division Medical Services Centre in Maimalari Cantonment and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital; as well as other engagements.
The “Thank You Troops” campaign is expected to roll out nationwide, with Borno serving as its symbolic starting point in recognition of the state’s central role in the counter-insurgency war.
