By Nkechi Eze
The President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho G. Musa, has paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, to strengthen collaboration on initiatives that empower Nigerian youths and foster social impact.
The visit, which took place on Friday, 12 September 2025, provided an opportunity for both leaders to exchange ideas on advancing youth-focused policies, leadership development, and capacity-building opportunities across the country.
In her remarks, Mrs. Musa highlighted DEPOWA’s mission as an organisation committed to supporting military families, promoting women’s empowerment, and driving impactful community-based projects. She noted that youths remain a critical constituency in Nigeria’s development, and their energy, creativity, and resilience must be harnessed through meaningful initiatives.
“Our discussions centred on a shared vision of empowering young people through opportunities that will not only enable them to dream but also equip them to lead, innovate, and create lasting change,” Mrs. Musa said. “I also had the opportunity to share the activities and mission of DEPOWA, which continues to advance women empowerment while providing holistic support to military families.”
She expressed deep appreciation for the Minister’s warm reception and his commitment to advancing policies that uplift young people, stressing that collaboration between government and civil society groups such as DEPOWA remains key to building a stronger and more inclusive society.
Hon. Ayodele Olawande, in his response, commended DEPOWA for its far-reaching initiatives and pledged the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with the association in areas of mutual interest. He noted that Nigeria’s future depends on the empowerment of its youths and welcomed the partnership as a step towards sustainable development.
The visit ended on a note of mutual commitment to strengthen collaboration and expand opportunities for Nigeria’s young population. Both parties agreed that youth development must remain at the centre of national discourse, with policies and initiatives that ensure they are adequately prepared to contribute to national progress.
