The President of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, has applauded Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, for his unwavering support to the Armed Forces, police personnel, and families of fallen heroes.
Mrs. Musa, who led a DEPOWA delegation to the Government House in Maiduguri on Monday, briefed the governor on the association’s new initiative, the “Thank You Troops” campaign. The nationwide movement seeks to honour the sacrifices of frontline troops, support the wounded-in-action, and assist the families of deceased officers.
Mrs. Musa explained that the ‘Thank You to Our Troops’ campaign which is maiden, and ready to be unveiled tomorrow (Tuesday) “is DEPOWA’s heartfelt and nationwide movement to honor the sacrifices of troops and the fallen heroes.
“It is to tell our soldiers — and indeed the Nigerian people — that their courage is seen, their service is valued, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
“We are starting here, in Borno State, because this is the heart of the fight, and Your Excellency’s leadership stands as a symbol of resilience.
“Over the next 12 months, the campaign will span all 36 states and the FCT, combining public engagements in schools, media blitzes, billboards, documentaries, grassroots mobilization, and direct visits to troops in the field.
“The truth is that no medal, no plaque, and no ceremony can ever truly equal the weight of the sacrifices our soldiers and security operatives make daily — especially here in Borno State, the very frontlines of this battle.
“In recent days, I visited some of our wounded soldiers and serving troops — men whose bodies now carry the marks of this struggle. I saw the scars where bullets tore through flesh, the missing limbs that once carried them into battle, and the haunted eyes of young men who have watched their comrades fall.
“I saw pain, yes — but also pride. I heard not complaints, but determination to return to duty if given the chance. It is these men, these heroes, who inspire the campaign we are here in Maiduguri to launch tagged ‘Thank You to Our Troops’.
“We will also create spaces for Nigerians to send personal ‘Thank You’ messages — in writing, audio, or video — so that our heroes hear from the people whose freedom they protect”. She said.
“I must begin by commending Your Excellency for your unwavering and practical support to the Armed Forces and security agencies in the fight against insurgency — a fight that has cost so much yet remains critical to our nation’s survival,” she said. “Your programmes for widows and orphans, scholarship schemes for children of the fallen, and social intervention initiatives are shining examples of compassionate leadership in action.”
Explaining the choice of Borno State for the campaign’s launch, Mrs. Musa described the state as “the heart of the fight” against insurgency and praised Governor Zulum’s resilience. She reaffirmed DEPOWA’s commitment to complementing government efforts in uplifting widows, orphans, youths, and less-privileged persons, both within and outside barracks communities.
Mrs Musa commended Governor Zulum for his unwavering and practical support to the Armed Forces and security agencies in the fight against insurgency — a fight that has cost so much, yet remains critical to nation’s survival.
Governor Zulum welcomed the initiative, pledging to be a “champion” of the cause. “My doors are always open to partner with you to support the wounded-in-action, widows, and orphans of deceased military personnel, to give them a sense of belonging,” he assured.
The governor also recalled the hardship faced by troops stationed in displaced communities such as Baga before resettlement and reiterated plans to return more displaced residents to their ancestral homes to consolidate military gains.
Commending DEPOWA’s perseverance, Zulum stressed the need for policies that allow troops to reunite with their families periodically. He further lauded the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the Theatre Commander, and troops for their gallantry, resilience, and dedication to restoring peace in the Northeast and beyond.
The Highlight of the President’s two-day visit include courtesy call on the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, visits and supports to the wounded soldiers at 7Div Medical Services Centre at Maimalari cantonment, and University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital among other activities
