By Nkechi Eze
As part of commemorating the celebration of Children’s Day in Nigeria, the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), under the leadership of its President, Mrs. Oghogho G. Musa, hosted a grand and emotionally resonant event in Abuja that brought together students, educators, military families, and dignitaries in a jubilant display of unity, hope, and commitment to the Nigerian child.
The colourful ceremony marked a significant highlight in the annual calendar of military and police families, offering a festive yet reflective platform for reaffirming the nation’s dedication to nurturing its youngest citizens. In her keynote address, Mrs. Musa passionately described children as the “greatest gift God gives any nation” and called on parents, educators, and national leaders to guard this divine heritage with “intention and compassion.”
“Children’s Day is not just a date on the calendar,” she declared. “It is the celebration of the greatest gift God gives any nation our children. Children’s Day reminds us that within every young boy and girl lies a dream, a destiny, and a divine path waiting to be nurtured.”
In a speech that masterfully blended humour with conviction, Mrs. Musa set a warm, inclusive tone for the day: “Like for me today, I’m a child. I’m considering myself as a 10-year-old to be able to borrow the wealth of my mother,” she said playfully.
She warmly welcomed dignitaries, military officers, school heads, and most importantly, the children whom she described as “our shining stars” thanking them for their presence.
Reaffirming DEPOWA’s mandate, she emphasized that the association’s commitment goes beyond rhetoric:
“At DEPOWA, we don’t just talk about children. We work for their future. We support the education of children of service members, provide emotional and social support for widows and orphans, and build safe spaces where families can grow even in the face of sacrifice.”
In her message to the children, she offered stirring words of affirmation: “To our beautiful children: you are smart, you are strong, you are loved. Your dreams are valid. Your voice matters. You are not too young to live, to create, or to make us proud. So keep reading. Keep asking questions. Keep believing. And remember, even superheroes need to do their homework.”
She also reminded parents and teachers of their influence in shaping young minds: “Let us raise children who are not only educated but empathetic. Let us guide them with discipline, yes, but also with dignity. Let us remember that how we speak to them becomes their inner voice. They are watching us. Let us give them something beautiful to become.”
In a heartfelt tribute to everyday heroes, Mrs. Musa said: “To every poor mother working behind the scene, to every teacher shaping your mind, to every officer on duty keeping us safe so children can laugh bravely thank you. Thank you for all your labor of love.”
Mrs. Musa used the opportunity to express gratitude to key supporters. She thanked the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her motherly support and leadership through the Renewed Hope Initiative: “Let me use this opportunity to appreciate my mother, the mother of the nation, the First Lady, and the Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her support and motherly guidance.” She said
And also acknowledged her husband, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa: “I also want to use this opportunity to appreciate my dear husband, the Chief of Defence Staff, for his unwavering support.”
She closed her remarks with a prayerful reflection:“The Holy Book reminds us that children are a heritage from the Lord, a reward from Him. As we leave here today, may we not only carry balloons and party cards, but a renewed commitment to protect, to nurture, and uplift our children. God bless our children. God bless DEPOWA. God bless the Armed Forces of Nigeria. And God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The celebration featured a variety of lively and symbolic activities including poetry recitations, a cultural dance presentation, a fashion parade, a march past by various schools, the ceremonial cutting of the celebration cake, and group photographs. Children from Army, Navy, Air Force, and Police schools participated in full regalia, showcasing the strength of unity among service families.
Renowned musical artist Sunny Neji graced the occasion, delivering a goodwill message in which he praised DEPOWA’s leadership for their consistent focus on women and child empowerment: “Children are the hope of tomorrow, and we must give them all the support they need to help them reach the greatest heights in life,” he said.
In her closing remarks, Chairman of the 2025 Children’s Day Planning Committee, Mrs. Ipheoma Martins Aligwe, reflected on the journey that began only eight weeks earlier, expressing deep gratitude for the team’s success in bringing the vision to life: “This idea was vetted roughly eight weeks ago, and today we have all seen how much it has blossomed like a beautiful flower of multiple millions,” she said. “We owe this success, thanks and applause to the Lord Almighty and to the DEPOWA President, Mrs. Oghogho Musa, who supported us throughout this journey.”
She also appreciated members of the planning committee, staff of the DEPOWA Secretariat, school administrators, Youth Corps members, and vendors for their tireless efforts in ensuring the day’s success.
This year’s Children’s Day celebration was more than just a ceremonial observance, it was a living testament to DEPOWA’s enduring vision for child development, emotional resilience, and educational equity among military and police families. Under the leadership of Mrs. Oghogho G. Musa, the 2025 edition delivered a resounding message: that Nigeria’s children deserve every investment of love, guidance, and opportunity, for within them lies the nation’s greatest promise.
