Brig. General Samaila Uba Assumes Office as New Director of Defence Information, Pledges Transparency, Unity, and Innovation in Military Communication

 

...Oluyede Pledges Unity, Empowerment, and Enhanced Welfare for Defence and Police Families

The Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) on Monday, 3 November 2025, held a colourful handing and taking over ceremony at its National Secretariat in Abuja, where Mrs. Mernan Femi Oluyede officially assumed office as the 16th President of the Association.

In her inaugural remarks, Mrs. Oluyede expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for the opportunity to serve, describing her appointment as “a sacred responsibility rooted in service, compassion, national duty, and the enduring bond shared among families of Nigeria’s Armed Forces and security services.”

The new DEPOWA President affirmed that the event marked not just a leadership transition but a continuation of a mission to “support, uplift, and empower the families who stand behind the men and women safeguarding our nation.”

Outlining her strategic priorities, Mrs. Oluyede announced that her leadership would focus on strengthening family welfare and community resilience; providing comprehensive support for widows and orphans of fallen heroes; enhancing psychosocial and mental-health support; and expanding medical and humanitarian outreaches.

She further pledged to promote women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and digital skills development, as well as improve childcare and educational facilities across military and police barracks. According to her, these initiatives will be achieved through stronger partnerships with government agencies, the private sector, and international humanitarian institutions.

While expressing appreciation to her predecessor, Mrs. Oghogho Musa, for her “devoted stewardship, impactful programmes, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of military and police families,” Mrs. Oluyede also extended gratitude to the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd), for his visionary leadership and support to DEPOWA’s mission.

Acknowledging the contributions of the Association’s executives, coordinators, and members, Mrs. Oluyede reaffirmed her commitment to continuity, unity, and collaboration. She noted that her experience from the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) would guide her in strengthening institutions and improving the welfare of military families.

“Working together — DEPOWA, NAOWA, NOWA, NAFOWA, and POWA — we remain one united family in service to our nation: One Mission. One Sisterhood. One Nigeria,” she declared.

Mrs. Oluyede concluded her remarks with a call for unity and support, urging members to remain steadfast and united in purpose. “Our strength is not in our titles, but in our unity, our compassion, and our purpose,” she stated.

Earlier in heran emotional valedictory speech, the outgoing President,  Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa, thanked members for their support and reflected on the achievements of the outgoing executive.

Mrs. Musa expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Association for over two years, describing it as “one of the greatest honours” of her life. She reflected on her leadership journey as one defined by love, unity, and purposeful service, noting that the experience had strengthened her belief in the power of collective womanhood.

“When women of great stand together in service, families grow stronger, nations stand taller, and generations rise with hope,” she said, capturing the spirit of her address.

The outgoing President appreciated DEPOWA members, executives, coordinators, and committee leaders for their loyalty, sacrifice, and dedication throughout her tenure. “Most of them don’t sleep when we have activities because the job must be done,” she noted, praising their commitment to service and the Association’s vision.

Highlighting her administration’s achievements, Mrs. Musa said DEPOWA under her leadership championed women’s empowerment, skill-building, and welfare initiatives that improved the lives of personnel families and their communities. She emphasized the success of programs that promoted education, health, and family support, adding that one of her most cherished projects focused on promoting peace and confidence among members.

Looking ahead, Mrs. Musa called on members to extend unwavering support to the incoming President, urging them to uphold the Association’s core values of unity, dignity, and sisterhood. “A leader can only succeed when surrounded by women of goodwill, service, and unity. Please keep that spirit up,” she appealed.

She also cautioned against comparisons between administrations, stressing that every leader brings unique strengths and styles. “We are different individuals. The way I do things is not the way she does things. Please, nobody should compare us. Just bring your best and add to what she has to offer.”

In a touching moment, Mrs. Musa reaffirmed her lifelong commitment to the Association and its members beyond her tenure. “Though my turn has come to an end, my commitment to this family remains. We remain sisters, a very big family, always ready to support one another.”

She concluded by paying tribute to her mentor and mother figure, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairperson of the Renewed Hope Initiative. “She has guided me, shown me how to lead, and is a perfect example of a mother and mentor. I’m truly grateful for her support,” Mrs. Musa said.

Her valedictory message closed with a powerful reminder: “True leadership is not measured by the position we hold, but by the lives we uplift and the love we leave behind.”

Mts Musa presented seven laptops to some teachers from DEPOWA school and recognision award to distingusihed executive members of DEPOWA, heads of several committees and some staff of DEPOWA Secretariat. 

The ceremony marked the end of a distinguished tenure defined by compassion, innovation, and sisterhood — and the beginning of a new chapter in DEPOWA’s continued journey of service and impact.