By Nkechi Eze
In a vibrant and energetic display of commitment to wellness, the President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho G. Musa, led a large contingent of women from various security agencies’ wives associations in an early morning aerobic session held at the Aguyi Ironsi sports hall, guards brigade in Abuja. The event, which blended health advocacy with community bonding, was a continuation of DEPOWA’s growing campaign to instill a culture of healthy living, discipline, and time consciousness among military and paramilitary families.
Set against the backdrop of a calm and breezy Abuja morning, before the aerobic session began, participants were seen writing their names on the attendance sheet, an act that not only documented their participation but reflected the growing accountability and structure DEPOWA is instilling into its wellness programmes. Nearby, a medical team was stationed to check vitals such as blood pressure and heart rate, offering early morning health screenings to the women.
This vital check-in process underscored the holistic approach to the initiative: it wasn’t just about fitness, but about prevention and long-term wellness. The inclusion of medical checks served as a practical extension of the previous day’s health talk, allowing participants to immediately begin implementing medical advice through monitored routines. It also encouraged women to pay closer attention to their health metrics, reinforcing Mrs. Musa’s message on the importance of routine medical checkups.
Participants then proceeded to a warm-up routine that gradually transitioned into a series of high- and low-impact aerobics, all guided by professional fitness instructors. The field came alive with laughter, sweat, and music, as hundreds of women clad in vibrant sportswear danced and moved in unison to rhythm and purpose. It was more than a fitness routine, it was a rallying call to wellness, resilience, and unity.
In her remarks after the session, Mrs. Oghogho Musa passionately addressed the gathering, urging participants to embrace a lifestyle that prioritizes regular physical activity, healthy eating, and discipline. She called on all members of military and paramilitary officers’ wives associations to lead by example in promoting wellness practices not only for their benefit but for the broader well-being of their families and communities.
“Timeliness is as important as the exercise itself,” she emphasized. “We must discard the culture of lateness. Arriving early to event shows discipline, respect for others’ time, and ensures you get the full benefit of these initiatives.” Mrs. Musa explained that the morning session was a deliberate follow-up to a health talk organized the previous day, which had addressed critical topics such as stress management, nutrition, and the necessity of routine medical checkups.
To motivate the women further, Mrs. Musa presented yoga mats to those who arrived before 7:00am, praising their commitment and consistency. “This is not just a token,” she said, “it is a recognition of your discipline, and I hope it inspires others.” She added that many women who participated in previous sessions have already begun seeing improvements in their health, including better sleep quality and lower blood pressure readings.
The event drew wide participation from sister associations, underscoring a shared vision across the security family. Among the dignitaries present was the President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Dr. Elizabeth Egbetokun, who described group exercise as a powerful tool for both physical and social well-being. She commended DEPOWA for sustaining the initiative and encouraged more inter-agency collaborations in health and wellness programmes.
Also present was the President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, who appealed directly to husbands to support their wives’ involvement in wellness programmes. “When a woman is healthy, the entire home benefits,” she noted. “We need the encouragement of our spouses to stay consistent on this journey.”
“Our husbands should also know that when women come together in this manner, it fosters good personal relationships with one another” she concluded.
Representing the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) was Mrs. Rukaiya Ladle, who stood in for the association’s President, Architect Dr. Mrs. Rekia Abubakar. Mrs. Charity Adjaye, wife of the Director General, Department of State Services (DSS), also graced the occasion, further reflecting the wide institutional embrace of the wellness initiative.
A key highlight of the morning was the presentation of 100 yoga mats to the first 100 women who arrived before 7:00am, an act that sparked celebration and further reinforced the importance of punctuality. Each participant also received a green fruit pack and a bottle of water, symbolizing the DEPOWA President’s message on healthy eating and hydration.
As the event wrapped up with group photographs and cheerful goodbyes, the message of the day remained clear: health is wealth, and women, especially those in support of frontline service personnel must take deliberate steps to care for their physical and mental well-being. The DEPOWA-led wellness campaign continues to gain momentum, positioning the association not only as a support structure but as a driving force for healthier military families across Nigeria.
With Mrs. Oghogho Musa at the helm, DEPOWA is steadily transforming the culture of women’s engagement in health, encouraging them to become ambassadors of wellness within their homes and wider communities.
