Mrs Oghogho Musa, President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), has called for greater support for the association’s “Thank You to Our Troops” campaign.
Musa made the appeal on Monday in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla.
She said the 12-month nationwide campaign was designed to honour the sacrifices and patriotism of officers and men of the Armed Forces and Police.
According to her, the initiative, which will feature press engagements, grassroots mobilisation, billboards and courtesy visits, seeks to rally Nigerians to express genuine appreciation to security personnel.
“We want every soldier, every sailor, every airman and every policeman to hear the nation say: we see you, we thank you, we honour you,” she said.
Musa also highlighted the DEPOWA Future Leaders Academy, Abuja, billed for commissioning in September 2026, which will offer automatic scholarships to children of fallen heroes.
She added that all children of fallen personnel would also benefit from scholarships in DEPOWA and sister association schools across the country.
She further announced the association’s inter-secondary school sports competition scheduled for Sept. 22 to Sept. 24 at the Aguiyi Ironsi Cantonment, Guards Brigade, Abuja.
Responding, Ogalla commended DEPOWA for what he described as “tremendous achievements within a relatively short time,” noting that the work of DEPOWA and sister associations was integral to the modern concept of security.
He said the “Thank You to Our Troops” campaign would boost morale and assured that the Nigerian Navy would provide every necessary support.
On the proposed Future Leaders Academy, Ogalla pledged the Navy’s backing, describing it as a visionary idea that would secure the future of fallen heroes’ children.
“As a concrete contribution, I wish to announce that the Nigerian Navy will take up the responsibility of constructing at least one block of classrooms for this project, in addition to other interventions we may consider subsequently,” he said.
The CNS also commended DEPOWA’s sports programmes, stressing that sports remained vital for youth development and social cohesion. (NAN)
