The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commended the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) for its contributions to the welfare and well-being of families of personnel of the Armed Forces.
Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the commendation on Monday, December 22, 2025, while receiving the President of DEPOWA, Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, and members of the association’s executive during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
The COAS pledged the Nigerian Army’s sustained collaboration with DEPOWA to enable the association effectively carry out its mandate. He encouraged the organisation to continue its vocational training and empowerment programmes, noting that such initiatives help equip military families with skills needed for self-reliance and personal development.
He specifically lauded DEPOWA’s interventions in education, including the renovation of schools in Abuja and the construction of laboratory facilities, describing them as impactful initiatives that would improve learning conditions and enhance the overall welfare of children of military personnel.
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Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that DEPOWA’s activities align with his vision for the Nigerian Army, which is to advance the force into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient institution capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a multi-agency environment.
Earlier, the President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oluyede, congratulated the COAS on his appointment as the 25th Chief of Army Staff. She said the visit was aimed at reaffirming the association’s commitment to strengthening support systems for families of personnel of the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force.
Mrs Oluyede emphasised the importance of empowering and equipping military and police families to thrive despite the unique demands of service life. She also commended the COAS for his focus on improving troop welfare, morale and professionalism, while soliciting the continued support of the Nigerian Army for the successful implementation of DEPOWA’s programmes.
The visit featured the presentation of a commemorative plaque, exchange of souvenirs and group photographs.
