The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has praised the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) for its significant contributions to the welfare and well-being of families of members of the Armed Forces.
Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the commendation on Monday, 22 December 2025, while receiving the President of DEPOWA, Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, alongside members of the association’s executive council during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters.
The Army Chief assured the delegation of the Nigerian Army’s continued support and collaboration, noting that such partnerships were essential for DEPOWA to effectively deliver on its mandate. He encouraged the association to sustain its vocational training and empowerment initiatives, which he said were crucial in equipping personnel and their families with practical skills to achieve personal and professional growth.
He further commended DEPOWA’s social interventions, including the renovation of schools in Abuja and the construction of laboratory facilities, describing them as impactful initiatives that would improve learning conditions and enhance the overall welfare of children of military personnel.
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According to the COAS, these efforts align with his vision of advancing the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a multi-agency environment.
Earlier, Mrs Oluyede congratulated Lieutenant General Shaibu on his appointment as the 25th Chief of Army Staff. She explained that the visit was aimed at reaffirming DEPOWA’s commitment to strengthening support structures for families of personnel of the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force.
She stressed the importance of empowering and equipping these families to cope with the unique demands associated with military and police service. The DEPOWA President also lauded the COAS for his focus on improving combat readiness, enhancing troop welfare and morale, and sustaining professionalism within the Nigerian Army.
Mrs Oluyede appealed for the continued support of the Army leadership to ensure the successful implementation of DEPOWA’s programmes and initiatives.
The visit was marked by the presentation of a commemorative plaque, exchange of souvenirs and group photographs to commemorate the engagement.
