…as DEPOWA lunches fund raising for DEPOWA college
By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has stressed the vital role of education for military and police personnel’s children.
This was disclosed at the groundbreaking fundraising ceremony for the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) College which took place in Abuja.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, the CDS noted that ensuring quality education for the children of Armed Forces and Police personnel, directly contributes to the morale and effectiveness of Nigeria’s security forces.
He further highlighted the importance of education in National development and societal progress.
“Our commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty and security of our nation often demands long absences from our families.
“The establishment of the DEPOWA College will provide a conducive learning environment for our children and give our officers the peace of mind that their loved ones are receiving quality education in a structured and secure setting.
“This will, in turn, strengthen the morale and effectiveness of our personnel as they serve the nation.
The Chief of Defence Staff further commended the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) for their significant contributions to Nigeria’s education sector and their tireless efforts in supporting military families and empowering widows.
He characterized the DEPOWA College project as a lasting legacy that will fortify the intellectual and moral foundations of future generations, ultimately benefiting the nation.
“Education has always been a critical pillar for national development and societal progress.
“As we perform the ceremony for the DEPOWA College, we reaffirm our commitment to the holistic development of our children and future leaders.
“This noble initiative by DEPOWA is not just about bricks and blocks, but also about the construction of a future built on knowledge, discipline and character.
“The establishment of this institution is an investment in the intellectual growth of our youths, ensuring that they receive quality education that aligns with global best practices.” he said.
The Chief of Defence Staff praised DEPOWA for being a source of hope and support for military families, noting that the association played a crucial role in enhancing the welfare of officers’ families, supporting widows, and providing empowerment programmes for women and children.
According to the Defence Chief, the initiative further demonstrates DEPOWA’s commitment to transforming society.
Gen. Musa further hinted that the establishment of the college also underscored the critical role women play in shaping the destinies of nations by fostering environments where knowledge and moral values are instilled in the next generation.
While thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to the Armed Forces, and expressing gratitude to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her advocacy for women and children, as well as members of the National Assembly, for their support for the military to contribute to national development, Gen. Musa also called on well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations, and development partners to give generously to building and investing in the future of the nation.
Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru praised DEPOWA leadership for its foresight and unwavering commitment to education, welfare of military and police families and National development.
He described the college as a monumental step towards building a more secure and enlightened future for Nigeria.
“Education is the bedrock of societal progress and this college will serve as the beacon of hope, excellence, and opportunity for the children of our brave service members.
“By investing in their future, we are not only honoring the sacrifice of their parents, but also strengthening the foundation of our national security.
“A well-educated generation, nurtured in an environment of discipline and patriotism, is critical to sustaining peace, unity, and progress in Nigeria.
While stressing the importance of the project, the minister noted that DEPOWA college will serve as a beacon of excellence, discipline, and opportunity for children of service personnel.
“Let this college symbolize our collective vision to uplift those who stand at the heart of our Nation’s defence. Together we will build an institution that nurtures future leaders, inventors and patriots.” He said.
The Minister guaranteed full support from the ministry and assured stakeholders that the government would cover any financial shortfalls to ensure the project’s timely completion.
In her welcome address, the president of DEPOWA, Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa highlighted the college’s vision and the necessity for expanded educational infrastructure.
She explained that the existing DEPOWA school at Mogadishu cantonment was inadequate to meet the growing demands, hence the association’s resolve to have a boarding institution for children of military and police families.
“The school premises is considerably constraining for holistic education, hence the need for the building of a boarding college to facilitate the much needed expansion of educational facilities and actualize the vision of providing an all-inclusive education for children and wards of personnel and other intending subscribers.”
Mrs. Musa who described the project as a legacy of hope and empowerment, urged public and private sector stakeholders to graciously contribute.
“With over 20million out-of-school children in Nigeria, this project is not a DEPOWA project, it is National and it is imperative.” She said.
She also disclosed that the DEPOWA college will feature modern classrooms, sports and recreational facilities, practical skill acquisition centers, ICT enabled libraries, practice rooms for trade subjects and vocational skills such as photography and videography.
Mrs. Oghogho Musa also thanked the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu for her inspiration and guidance and also expressed her heartfelt appreciation to her husband, the CDS for his continuous support and encouragement.
Also in his remarks, the speaker of the house of representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson noted that there can be no better way to contribute to building the future of young Nigerians than investing in their education.
While commending DEPOWA, for the initiative as it is of value to society, Babajimi stated that;
“It is gratifying that the leadership and members of DEPOWA consider the importance of the defense and police officers’ rights and also consider education as a priority and resolve to channel their energy towards building a school for the children of officers and personnel of the defense sector.
“Those whose parents have dedicated their lives to the security of lives and property through the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, and the Nigerian Police.
“This is commendable and I congratulate all of you in DEPOWA for contributing to this project.
“Education is the bedrock of development and it is the most important gift every parent can bequeath to their children.
“It is a foundation for one to become whatever one wants to be. Providing access to good education is a legacy that endures for life.
Today, DEPOWA has started a journey that will change and transform the lives of so many children. It is easy for those watching this ceremony to interrogate the project on the proposition that there are so many schools out there.
“So, why should DEPOWA embark on building new schools? The statistics of children between age 5 to 14, mostly registrared in school are about 10.5 million. This indicates that the number of schools available to Nigerian children is still far less than the number required to go to school, including the children of the personnel of the security agencies.
“It is not about the number, but the quality of education. It’s about the quality of the school.
“On this note, I align myself with this laudable project. The school as proposed by DEPOWA is very elaborate and comprehensive. It is exciting that the designers, have made provision for facilities that will enhance the total development of children in this school.
“This includes sporting facilities and those that will promote skills acquisition too. I urge the poor not to relapse in seeing this vision through. I look forward to the commencement of the projects and enrollment of the pioneer students of this school.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the vision behind the development of this school underscores the goals of the legislative agenda of the 10th House of Representatives, the People’s House.
“This captures the need for access to education for the Nigerian child. We hold a view in the House that education is a priority, and we fully support this school project by DEPOWA.
“The House is proactive in pushing through legislations that will promote access to education for Nigerians.
“We will pursue this vision as it aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“We desire to ensure that every Nigerian child gets a basic education as a right and as a mandatory first start, and no one is left behind.
“As I conclude these short remarks, I urge DEPOWA to remain focused and to see this project as a call to patriotism and a mission for the good of the Nigerian child, especially those whose parents have dedicated their lives to the defense of the territorial integrity of Nigeria.” He said.
The event attracted a diverse group of attendees, including military and police leaders, spouses’ associations, private sector partners, and donors, with several key stakeholders making significant commitments to support the project.
This broad participation underscores the community’s enthusiasm for the initiative.
The DEPOWA college is set to become a pioneering educational institution, embodying the values of national service, patriotism, and excellence, with its architectural and engineering designs already finalized and vendors ready to begin construction.
The highlight of the event was when Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar Badaru laid the foundation stone for the new school building at the site.
This significant milestone marks the beginning of the construction process, transforming plans into reality. The ceremony symbolizes hope, progress and the realization of dreams, setting the tone for the project’s completion.
