DEPOWA Skill Acquisition Centre Graduates 130 Trainees, CDS Reaffirms Support For Youth Empowerment

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to initiatives that strengthen families, empower youths, and promote sustainable livelihoods, as the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) graduated 130 trainees from its Skills Acquisition Centre.

The CDS, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Affairs, Rear Admiral Saburi Lawal, stated this at the graduation ceremony of Batch 18 (2025) of the DEPOWA Skills Acquisition Centre.

Representing the CDS, Rear Admiral Lawal described the ceremony as a celebration of purpose, resilience, and transformation, noting that the successful graduation of the trainees demonstrates what can be achieved when vision, commitment, and opportunity come together.

He said the DEPOWA Skills Acquisition Centre remains a long-term and impactful empowerment initiative designed to uplift young men and women within the barracks community through practical and market-relevant skills.

According to him, the programme promotes economic self-reliance, dignity of labour, and sustainable livelihoods, while aligning with national efforts to nurture human capacity and foster development.

The CDS commended the leadership of DEPOWA for sustaining and expanding the initiative, noting that the successful execution of the training cycle reflects continuity of vision, outstanding leadership, and dedication.

He also lauded the President of DEPOWA, Mrs Mernan Olufemi Oluyede, for strengthening the organisation’s impact on youth and women development as well as community transformation.

Addressing the graduates, he urged them to apply the skills acquired in areas such as fashion design, culinary arts, hairdressing, bag making, and computer studies with discipline, integrity, and innovation.

He further encouraged them to remain committed to continuous learning and self-improvement as they progress in their chosen careers.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the President of DEPOWA, Mrs Mernan Olufemi Oluyede, said the graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone as the first under her tenure.

She emphasised that the achievement was a product of institutional continuity and visionary leadership, acknowledging the immediate past President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, under whose leadership the batch was initiated.

Mrs Oluyede stated that the association’s mission remains to empower families of servicemen and women, support vulnerable members of the community, and contribute to national development.

She disclosed that Batch 18 commenced training between February and June 2025, with 130 trainees comprising widows, vulnerable individuals, and participants sponsored by organisations and well-meaning individuals.

According to her, trainees acquired competencies in fashion designing, culinary arts, bag making, hairdressing, makeup, soap and detergent production, and computer studies.

She added that beyond technical training, the centre introduced structured digital lectures aimed at promoting discipline, entrepreneurship, and personal responsibility, while strengthening internet connectivity to broaden learning exposure.

Mrs Oluyede also revealed that all graduating trainees were registered as tradesmen and women with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity and awarded Grade 2 and Grade 3 certifications.

She expressed appreciation to partners, sponsors, and members of the organising committee, as well as instructors and staff for their professionalism and dedication.

Also in an interview, Mrs Oluyede noted that the programme is particularly important due to the impact of insurgency on military families, many of whom are widows, orphans, and vulnerable youths.

She explained that starter packs are provided to graduates to enable them establish businesses and sustain themselves with dignity.

“This is particularly important for widows and vulnerable members of our community, whose family heads are often away serving the nation,” she said.

The former President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, commended the current leadership for sustaining the association’s vision and maintaining continuity in its empowerment programmes.

The Coordinator of the DEPOWA Skills Acquisition Centre, Major B.J. Ananya, disclosed that the President, DEPOWA sponsored 65 trainees, while other sponsors included the Defence and Intelligence Officers’ Wives Association, Nigerian Defence Academy Officers’ Wives Association, Military Pension Board Officers’ Wives Association, 7 Guards Battalion, and private individuals.

He noted that the trainees demonstrated high levels of commitment and assimilation throughout the training.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, one of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the leadership of DEPOWA, instructors, sponsors, and families for their support and encouragement.

The graduate pledged that the beneficiaries would apply the skills acquired responsibly and contribute positively to society.

The ceremony featured the formal presentation of certificates, recognition of sponsors, and demonstration of skills by the graduates.