Odita Sunday 
Mrs. Mernan Femi Oluyede Assumes Office as 16th DEPOWA President, Vows to Deepen Support for Military and Police Families
The Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) on Monday, November 3, 2025, held a moving 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, succeeding Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa.
In an emotionally charged atmosphere, Mrs. Oluyede described her assumption of office 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.”
She pledged to consolidate on the achievements of her predecessors by advancing the welfare of officers’ families through programs focused on family resilience, widows’ and orphans’ support, psychosocial and mental health interventions, and expanded humanitarian outreach.
According to her, her tenure will also prioritize women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, digital skills development, and improved childcare and education facilities across military and police barracks. These, she said, will be achieved through deeper collaboration with government agencies, private organizations, and international partners.
“This is not just a leadership transition it is a continuation of a mission to support, uplift, and empower the families who stand behind the men and women safeguarding our nation,” Mrs. Oluyede declared.
She paid glowing tribute to her predecessor, Mrs. Oghogho Musa, whom she lauded for her “devoted stewardship, impactful programmes, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of military and police families.” She also extended appreciation to the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd), for his leadership and support to DEPOWA’s vision.
Emphasizing unity among sister associations NAOWA, NOWA, NAFOWA, and POWA Mrs. Oluyede reaffirmed her commitment to collaboration, noting that her experience with the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association would serve as a guiding compass in her new role.
“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 affirmed.
Earlier, in an emotional valedictory speech, the outgoing DEPOWA President, Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve, describing her two-year tenure as “one of the greatest honours” of her life.
Reflecting on her administration’s journey, she said it was defined by “love, unity, and purposeful service,” adding that the experience 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 to a standing ovation.
Mrs. Musa recounted her achievements in women’s empowerment, skills training, education, health, and welfare, highlighting that her administration’s initiatives left lasting impact on personnel families and communities.
She urged members to support the new president wholeheartedly and avoid comparing leadership 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,” she appealed.
As part of the ceremony, Mrs. Musa presented seven laptops to DEPOWA school teachers and recognition awards to distinguished executive members, committee heads, and secretariat staff in appreciation of their service.
The event, attended by executives of sister associations, defence officials, and invited guests, symbolized both a graceful exit and a promising new beginning one that reaffirmed DEPOWA’s enduring legacy of compassion, unity, and national service.
“True leadership is not measured by the position we hold, but by the lives we uplift and the love we leave behind.” She concluded
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