Chief Of Army Staff Commends DEPOWA’S Transformative Welfare Initiatives, Pledges Sustained Collaboration

Chief Of Army Staff Commends DEPOWA’S Transformative Welfare Initiatives, Pledges Sustained Collaboration

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commended the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) for its outstanding contributions to the welfare, unity and well-being of families of the Armed Forces. He gave the commendation on Monday, 22 December 2025, while hosting the President of DEPOWA, Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede and executive members during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters.

The COAS pledged the Nigerian Army’s sustained support and collaboration to enable DEPOWA effectively achieve its mandate. He further encouraged the association to sustain its vocational and empowerment programmes aimed at equipping personnel and their families with skills to realise their full potential. He further lauded DEPOWA’s various interventions, including the renovation of schools in Abuja and the construction of laboratory facilities, describing them as wholesome initiatives that would significantly enhance the learning environment and overall well-being of children of military personnel.

Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that such initiatives align with his vision for the Nigerian Army, which is “To Advance 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 in her remarks, the President, DEPOWA, Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, congratulated Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu on his appointment as the 25th Chief of Army Staff. She explained that the visit was to reaffirm DEPOWA’s commitment to strengthening support systems for families of personnel of the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force. Mrs Oluyede emphasised the importance of supporting, empowering and equipping these families to thrive amid the unique demands of military and police service.

The DEPOWA President commended the COAS for his resolute focus on enhancing the Nigerian Army’s combat readiness, improving troops’ welfare and morale, and sustaining professionalism within the force. She also solicited the continued support of the Nigerian Army towards the successful execution of DEPOWA’s programmes.

Highlights of the visit included the presentation of a commemorative plaque, exchange of souvenirs and group photographs.