By Nkechi Eze
The Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), under the dynamic leadership of its President, Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, has once again demonstrated its resolve to promote the holistic empowerment of women in Nigeria’s defence community with the successful hosting of the second edition of its Quarterly Wellness Programme in Abuja.
The event, which convened members of the Defence Sector Wives Association (DENCOWA), blended inspiration, professional insight, and shared experiences in a day-long session focused on enhancing the physical, mental, social, and economic well-being of military and security families.
Since assuming office, Mrs. Musa has introduced a new wave of innovation and inclusivity into DEPOWA’s operations. Her tenure has been marked by bold initiatives that place women’s welfare and capacity building at the center of the association’s agenda. Beyond the traditional support roles often associated with officers’ wives, she has championed practical programmes in education, health, entrepreneurship, and mental wellness, redefining DEPOWA as a platform that equips women with tools to thrive despite the unique challenges of military life. The Quarterly Wellness Programme, in particular, has emerged as one of her flagship innovations, fast becoming a tradition of inspiration and resilience-building within the defence family.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Musa explained that the programme was born out of her deep conviction that women, as the backbone of military families, deserve deliberate investment in their personal growth. She urged participants to embrace balance, noting that women must prioritize their well-being even as they nurture their families and contribute meaningfully to society.
The programme featured three carefully curated presentations. The first, delivered by Ms Amara Ezendiniru was titled “Personal well-being for purposeful living” emphasized the importance of adopting a holistic approach to wellness that includes not just physical health but also emotional stability, spiritual grounding, and meaningful social connections. She reminded the participants that true empowerment begins with self-awareness and intentional self-care.
The second presentation, by Mrs. Linda Ekeator, focused on “Entrepreneurship Development for Economic Empowerment.” She encouraged women to harness their creativity and skills in order to create sustainable ventures that foster financial independence. Stressing that entrepreneurship offers dignity and long-term stability, she called on military families to view enterprise as a shield against economic uncertainty.
The third and perhaps most emotionally charged session came from renowned parenting coach, Mrs. Wendy Ologe, who spoke on “Intentional Parenting.” Mrs. Ologe addressed the peculiar challenges of raising children in military and security families, including frequent relocations, parental deployments, and reintegration after service. She provided practical strategies for maintaining family stability such as keeping routines consistent, fostering open communication with children, and building strong support systems. Highlighting the need for deliberate reintegration of deployed parents, she noted that “parenting in the military context requires more tools, more resilience, and more deliberate effort.”
In a notable demonstration of her commitment to practical learning, Mrs. Musa presented each DENCOWA member with a copy of Mrs. Ologe’s book, pledging to follow up to ensure the lessons were not only studied but also applied. This gesture underscored her philosophy that empowerment must go beyond words to actions that produce lasting change.
The Vote of Thanks, delivered by Mrs. Nancy Ijezie, reflected the warm appreciation of the participants. She commended Mrs. Musa for her vision, the guest speakers for their insights, and all attendees for making the programme impactful. She also extended gratitude to Pauline Martins for her support, urging participants to sustain the “sweet conversations” initiated at the event.
The day ended with group photographs, presentation of plaques, and distribution of souvenirs to speakers and dignitaries, in line with DEPOWA’s culture of appreciation and inclusivity. Participants described the programme as “highly enriching,” stressing that it addressed real-life challenges while offering actionable solutions for improving family life in the defence sector.
Through initiatives such this, Mrs. Musa continues to reposition DEPOWA as more than a support group, but as a forward-thinking institution that invests in the total empowerment of women. Her leadership has expanded the association’s scope from welfare assistance to active involvement in health, education, skills development, and social resilience. As one participant noted, “DEPOWA is not just helping us cope, it is helping us thrive.”
With Mrs. Musa’s vision and the growing success of platforms like the wellness programme, DEPOWA is fast becoming a model of how leadership, compassion, and innovation can transform the lives of women and families at the heart of Nigeria’s defence architecture.
