By Nkechi Eze
In a graceful ceremony held at the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) Secretariat, Abuja, on Monday, November 3, 2025, the mantle of leadership of the prestigious association was formally handed over from Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa to the new President, Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede. The event marked not only a transition in leadership but also the dawn of a renewed era of compassion, unity, and purposeful service within the DEPOWA family.
Delivering her emotional farewell titled “A Tribute of Gratitude”, the outgoing President, Mrs Oghogho Musa, expressed heartfelt appreciation to God, to the members of the association, and to all who supported her impactful tenure. With words deeply woven in humility and love, she reflected on her journey of over two years at the helm of DEPOWA, describing it as one of the greatest honours of her life.
“As I stand at this moment of transition, my heart is filled with profound gratitude. Serving as President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association for over two years has been one of the greatest honours of my life. This journey has shaped me, strengthened me, and deepened my belief in the power of love, unity, and purposeful service,” she said.
She paid glowing tribute to every DEPOWA member for their prayers, encouragement, and dedication, acknowledging the teamwork and compassion that defined their collective efforts. “To every DEPOWA sister who prayed, advised, encouraged, corrected, visited, or served alongside me, thank you. You made the vision clearer, the journey lighter, and the impact greater,” she remarked warmly.
Mrs Musa highlighted the numerous milestones achieved during her stewardship, including women’s empowerment and skills development programmes that enhanced self-reliance among members, welfare initiatives across barracks communities, and educational outreach for children of service personnel. She particularly recalled the establishment of the DEPOWA College as a legacy project aimed at empowering children with knowledge, leadership values, and opportunities for a brighter future. “I had the honour of laying its foundation and advancing its vision, and it is my earnest prayer that God will bless the hands that will complete and expand it,” she said.
Her speech also underscored the strengthened collaboration between DEPOWA and its sister associations NAOWA, NOWA, NAFOWA, and POWA as well as international engagements that fostered partnerships in Senegal and Rwanda. She expressed gratitude for representing DEPOWA at global platforms, including the MODHIP–WRAIR Nigeria partnership celebrations, which focused on health, research, and the wellbeing of military families.
In a moving tribute, she saluted the courage of wives of military and police officers, describing them as “women of resilience, sacrifice, and immeasurable strength” who stand as silent pillars behind the uniforms. She also extended comfort to widows of fallen heroes, reminding them that “they will never walk alone.”
Turning to her husband, the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), she expressed deep gratitude for his love and support. “Your service to our great nation, your honour, humility, and devotion to family have been my anchor,” she said. Concluding her address, she urged members to extend the same loyalty and sisterhood to her successor, adding that “true leadership is not measured by the position we hold, but by the lives we uplift and the love we leave behind.”
Taking over the reins, the incoming President, Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, expressed humility and honour at assuming office as the 16th President of DEPOWA. In her remarks, she described the appointment as “a sacred responsibility rooted in service, compassion, national duty, and the enduring bond shared among the families of Nigeria’s Armed Forces and security services.”
She reaffirmed her vision to strengthen family welfare, enhance psychosocial support, empower women, expand humanitarian outreach, and promote digital and entrepreneurial skills across barracks communities. “As our officers, soldiers, airmen, sailors, and police personnel dedicate their lives to securing our nation, we must stand as the shield behind the shield, protecting and strengthening the families who defend the nation,” she declared.
Mrs Oluyede expressed deep appreciation to her predecessor, Mrs Oghogho Musa, for her devoted leadership and impactful programmes, acknowledging her as “a big sister whose legacy of compassion and service will continue to inspire.” She also extended gratitude to General C.G. Musa (Rtd), describing his leadership of the Armed Forces as visionary and instrumental in enhancing family welfare across the Defence community.
Pledging to build on the strong foundation laid by past leaders, Mrs Oluyede emphasized continuity, unity, and collaboration among the Armed Forces and Police Officers’ Wives Associations. “Working together DEPOWA, NAOWA, NOWA, NAFOWA, and POWA, we remain one united family in service to our nation: One Mission. One Sisterhood. One Nigeria,” she affirmed.
She concluded with a call for unity and collective commitment, assuring members that with God’s help, DEPOWA would soar to greater heights of service, impact, and excellence.
The event also featured a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Mrs Okosun, who expressed appreciation to all attendees and organisers for making the ceremony memorable. “We are incredibly excited to embark on this journey with our new President. We have immense confidence in her vision and in the programmes she brings to the table,” she said, while wishing everyone safe travels back to their destinations.
The ceremony was a beautiful blend of emotion, gratitude, and renewed purpose, a symbolic passing of the torch between two visionary women dedicated to the noble mission of service, unity, and empowerment within the DEPOWA family.
