The President of the Defence and Police Officers' Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa has reaffirmed her dedication to promoting the welfare of barracks children across the country during an event held to mark the 2025 Children's Day.
According to the association, the celebration, which took place on Tuesday at the Aguyi Ironsi Sports Complex, Guards Brigade, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, was a showcase of children's talents and a testament to it's commitment to nurturing young minds
In her address, Mrs. Oghogho Musa, President of DEPOWA, emphasized the significance of the day, stating, "Today is not just another day on the calendar but a day to celebrate the greatest gift given to any nation, which is children.
"Every child represents a dream, a destiny, and a divine sparkle waiting to be nurtured. This sentiment underscored the association's belief in the potential of children and its role in helping them achieve their full potential.
Mrs. Musa reiterated DEPOWA's commitment to the well-being of children, saying, "At DEPOWA, we remain committed to the well-being of children. We don't just talk about children, we work for their future, we support the education of children of our service members, provide emotional and social support for widows and orphans, and build safe spaces where families can grow even in the face of sacrifice.
"This is because every child deserves a chance to thrive, whether born in the barracks or beyond the barricades. To beautiful children, you are loved, you smart, your dreams are valid, your voice mattes and you are not too young lead, create or to make us proud so, keep asking questions and remember even superheroes need to their homeworks."
Addressing parents, Mrs. Musa offered valuable advice, encouraging them to guide their children with discipline and dignity.
Her words, "To our dear parents, we carry a sacred duty, let us raise children who are not only educated but empathetic. Let us guide them, treat them with discipline yet but also with being easy. Remember how we speak to them becomes their inner voice. They are watching us so, let's give them a beautiful thing to remember. Let's guide them with intention, passion and grace."
The president also appreciated teachers and armed forces of Nigeria.
"To every DEPOWA mother, every teacher shaping young minds, to every officers on duty keeping us safe so children can laugh freely, thank you all," she said.
The event featured a match past by the children, poetic recitation, spoken words, and a cultural display all aimed to “not only entertain but also provided a platform for children to express themselves and demonstrate as skills.”
