By Nkechi Eze
In a show of solidarity and commitment to advancing the cause of women and families across the nation, the President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, on Monday, 26 May 2025, led an executive delegation on a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs headquarters in Abuja.
The high-level visit marked a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between the Ministry and DEPOWA in the areas of gender equity, family development, economic empowerment, and community resilience especially within the military and paramilitary communities.
According to an official statement made by the DEPOWA Media Office, Mrs. Musa commended the Honourable Minister for her visionary leadership in driving national discourse on women’s empowerment, gender inclusion, and social protection. She lauded the Minister’s ongoing efforts in tackling societal challenges that affect women and children, noting that such leadership resonates deeply with DEPOWA’s mission and values.
“Empowering women is not just a moral obligation, but a strategic imperative for sustainable development,” Mrs. Musa said during her remarks. “When women thrive, families prosper, communities grow stronger, and nations progress. At DEPOWA, we believe that every effort invested in uplifting women is ultimately an investment in national peace, prosperity, and security.”
Mrs. Musa emphasized DEPOWA’s readiness to collaborate closely with the Ministry and requested guidance on how the Association could complement the Ministry’s agenda. “We are here today to reaffirm our commitment and seek ways to align our initiatives with your noble vision,” she said. “Together, we can build a more inclusive, equitable, and empowered society.”
In response, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, warmly received the DEPOWA delegation and expressed deep appreciation for their visit and the ongoing work of the Association. She described military and police wives as “unsung heroines” who provide critical support not only to their families but to the nation at large.
“Your role in holding the home front, especially given the nature of your spouses’ service to the nation, cannot be overstated,” the Minister stated. “DEPOWA is doing tremendously well, and I particularly commend the Skills Acquisition Centre initiative. It is a model of sustainable empowerment that equips women with practical skills and economic opportunities.”
Hajiya Imaan further elaborated on the Ministry’s strategic plans to support women across Nigeria, with a special focus on barracks communities. “We are exploring avenues such as agricultural entrepreneurship to empower women to own farms, create jobs, and contribute to food security,” she said. “Through partnerships with development agencies like the World Bank, we are also building a strong workforce of social workers who can advocate for change, challenge harmful norms, and promote holistic family values.”
The Minister stressed the importance of building stable family units as the foundation for a healthier, more prosperous nation. “When the family is stable, the nation benefits. DEPOWA’s work aligns with our efforts, and I am optimistic about the potential synergy between our two institutions,” she said.
The visit also featured an engaging interactive session, where both parties exchanged ideas on collaborative frameworks, followed by the presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.
The courtesy visit underscored the growing recognition of DEPOWA as a formidable partner in the national discourse on women’s empowerment, family development, and grassroots impact, particularly among communities connected to the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police.
