The Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) on 3 November 2025 held an official Handing and Taking Over Ceremony, marking the transition of leadership from the immediate past President, Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, to the new President, Mrs. Mernan Femi Oluyede at the DEPOWA Secretariat.
Delivering her valedictory speech, the outgone DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
She further promised that she remains available to support whenever called upon, stressing that true leadership is measured by the lives one uplifts and the love one leaves behind.
Mrs Musa, who served as DEPOWA President for over two years, said “the journey shaped and strengthened her belief in purposeful service, unity, and compassion, adding that the association shared moments of joy, learning, and growth together as women called to a special assignment of supporting military and police families “
She appreciated all DEPOWA members, sisters, executives, coordinators, committee leads and volunteers whose dedication, creativity, sacrifices and teamwork helped sustain the association’s vision, noting that their contribution made the mission lighter and the impact greater.
Reflecting on her achievements, Mrs Musa highlighted women empowerment, skills-building initiatives, health support programmes and interventions targeted at children in barracks communities as major achievements recorded under her leadership, alongside the flagship project of DEPOWA College which she described as a legacy initiative designed to equip children with knowledge, character, opportunities and leadership values.
Mrs Musa further appreciated her husband, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa OFR (Rtd), for his unwavering support throughout her tenure, and said “she was leaving office peacefully and joyfully, confident that DEPOWA remains in the hands of capable women who will lead with wisdom, unity and grace.
Delivering her address, Mrs Oluyede expressed appreciation to the outgone President of DEPOWA Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa for her dedicated service ,impactful initiatives and unwavering support to military and police families. She also acknowledged former Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR (rtd), whose leadership ” strengthened the foundation for welfare programmes in the Defence community.”
Mrs Oluyede affirmed that DEPOWA would continue to work united with NAOWA, NOWA, NAFOWA, and POWA as one sisterhood of service. She stressed that her administration is committed to sustaining continuity, driving wider impact, stronger advocacy and achieving lasting transformations across military and police families nationwide.
Highlights of the ceremony were the symbolic handing over of the DEPOWA Constitution and official documents, as well as the presentation of plaques and group photographs.
