By Nkechi Eze
As the world marks International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, with the theme “Accelerate Action”, the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) has added its voice to the global call for gender equality and women’s empowerment. In a passionate appeal, DEPOWA has urged the federal, state, and local governments, as well as Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), to take immediate and decisive action to address the lingering challenges faced by women and girls in Nigeria, particularly discrimination, violence, and female genital mutilation (FGM).
The event kicked off with participants monitoring their vital signs, followed by an invigorating aerobics session, and then a refreshing health walk.
President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, gave a clarion call to action during the DEPOWA International Women’s Day Celebration HealthCare Walk in Abuja.
The event, which took place at the Mogadishu Cantonment on Saturday 8 March 2025, drew a massive crowd of over 700 military wives including police, and paramilitary personnel.
In her remarks, Mrs. Oghogho G. Musa emphasized the importance of this year’s IWD theme: “Accelerate Action”, urging society to push for a more inclusive and equitable world.
“Today, we gather to celebrate a unique International Women’s Day. This year’s theme resonates deeply with us as we strive for a more inclusive, gender-equitable society.”
While acknowledging the progress made towards gender equality, she emphasized that substantial obstacles still need to be overcome.
“Women and girls worldwide continue to face discrimination, violence, female genital mutilation, and unequal access to opportunities. Yet, despite these obstacles, women have consistently demonstrated resilience, determination, and collective action.”
She underscored the vital contributions of women across different fields.
“From the battlefield to the boardroom, women are breaking barriers. At DEPOWA, we remain committed to empowering women, advocating for their rights, and providing support for families in need.”
Mrs. Oghogho G. Musa extended her heartfelt appreciation to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her inspirational leadership and support. Additionally, she commended Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, for his tireless efforts in promoting the welfare of DEPOWA and women nationwide.
Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of women prioritizing their physical and mental health, acknowledging that good mental health is crucial for overall well-being, productivity, and maintaining strong family relationships.
Mrs. Ummi Abdullahi (Coach Didi) while speaking on mental health challenges among women, emphasized the dangers of chronic stress.
“Many women suffer from mental stress because they focus too much on things beyond their control—husbands, children, extended family—without making time for themselves.”
She advised: “The major cause of mental health struggles among women is chronic stress.
Coach Didi charged women to focus on what they can control and let go of what they cannot. She advised women to Stop subjecting themselves to unnecessary mental torture.
“You have a life to live, just like every other member of your family.” She said.
“Learn to manage problems effectively, Learn how you can cope with these problems in a healthy manner.
Speaking on self care, she stated that it is important for women to practice self care.
“Self care is taking care of your mind, your body and soul.
“Take time and take care of yourself”
“Chronic stress is the underlining cause of mental illness”
“Learn to put yourself on the same pedestal you put people, because when you give and give, they will always put you last, but when you teach them that you also matter, then you will matter to them.” She said.
Additionally, she commended DEPOWA’s initiative, noting that the health walk and awareness talks serves as vital reminders for women to focus on their own well-being while caring for their families.
Dr Juliette Ango, the chairperson the medical committe for Depowa, while speaking on the importance of the international Women’s Day celebrations noted that it is a day marked out globally to campaign and celebrate the achievements of women, their resilience and the challenges they face.
“Women are a crop of people that experience unique challenges, with regards to different sectors, be it empowerment, creativity, sports and even our health.
“Women and girls need to be informed of how to make informed decisions with regards to their health. This is actually a campaign and the theme this year Accelerate Action is basically to encourage women to progress, push beyond boundaries, be a better version of themselves and to accelerate in any aspect of life they’re facing.” She said
Speaking on the benefits of exercise, Dr. Ango noted that exercise is very important.
“The benefits of exercise is actually enormous, exercise helps to reduce the risk of so many diseases, be it cardiovascular, risk of cancer and all.
“A lot of women in Depowa have been participating in these exercises, since it’s Inception in 2023.
“There’s a lot of impact, especially in terms of weight reduction, I have lost almost 15kg, which is quite significant because I’ve been intentional with my health and my blood pressure has gone down.
“Once you’re intentional with your health, you will be healthier, more energized, and you’ll be happy with yourself.
My message to all women is to strive for continuous growth. Aim to be a better version of yourself each day, overcoming obstacles and biases along the way. Whether in your career, profession, or personal life, challenge yourself to rise above and become a stronger, more resilient you.” She said.
The program had in attendance representative of the president, Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association and wife of the Chief of Army Staff, representative of the president, Nigerian Naval Officers Wives Association and wife of the Chief of Naval Staff, the president, Nigerian Airforce Officers Wives Association and wife of the Chief of the Air Staff, representative of the president, Police Officers Wives Association and wife of the Inspector General of Police.
