President DEPOWA Flags Off “Thank You Our Troops Nationwide Campaign”, Donates Relief Materials To Widows Of Troops

President DEPOWA Flags Off “Thank You Our Troops Nationwide Campaign”, Donates Relief Materials To Widows Of Troops

In a heart warming and a morale boosting initiative, the President Defence and Police Officers Wives’ Association (DEPOWA) Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa, has launched a nationwide campaign tagged “Thank you Our Troops Campaign”, in appreciation of troops’ sacrifices to the nation.

The event which was held in Maimalari Military Cantonment Maiduguri from 11- 12 August 2025, was meant to bridge the gap between civilians and the military, while engraving the spirit of gratitude in citizens’ national consciousness.

Speaking during the flag off, Mrs Musa stated that the campaign was also a national movement aimed at showing gratitude, solidarity and recognition for the men and women of the Armed Forces who defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

She stressed that part of the campaigns, will include hosting of high-profile national events to bring together leaders, veterans, serving personnel, and ordinary citizens in a shared moment of appreciation. It will as well include visit to bases, hospitals, and field units to have face-to-face engagement with our heroes to say thank you to them.

Mrs Oghogho appreciated the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu for their steadfast support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria. She also thanked the military leadership for strategic guidance and dedication to the nation.

The DEPOWA President further acknowledged the media for their critical role in the campaign, urging them to continue to spread the gospel to every nooks and cranies in the country.

She announced the establishment of a DEPOWA Future Leaders Academy, as an enduring tribute to fallen heroes, which will oblige qualified wards of fallen heroes a full scholarship.

Earlier, the President DEPOWA, who paid a courtesy visit to the Theatre Commander Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), stated that her purpose of visit to the Theatre, was to flag off the “Thank you our Troops” nationwide campaign in Maiduguri, in gratitude to the commendable efforts put in place by military personnel and other security agencies in keeping the country United.

In his remarks, the Theatre Commander Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, appreciated DEPOWA for the visit, and praised the President for her modest achievements in recent times. He commended her for the “Thank You Our Troops Campaign”, and support for widows of fallen heroes among several interventions to cushion their economic hardships.

The activities for the day, culminated with visit to the wounded in action personnel at 7 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services and Hospital, as well as University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, where she donated relief items worth millions of naira.

Relatedly, the DEPOWA President on Tuesday 12 August, performed wreath laying in honour of the fallen heroes at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery.

In his welcome remarks at the event, the Theatre Commander averred that the wreath laying, was not just a tradition, but a sacred duty and moral obligation.

He emphasized that the presence of DEPOWA, created comfort and sent powerful messages, that the sacrifices of the heroes were not forgotten.

The President DEPOWA further engaged with families of troops, where she also made donation of items to widows of fallen heroes and empowered members of the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA). She assured them of DEPOWA’s resolve to always look after their welfare.

The event was graced by dignitaries that included the Theatre Commander OPHK, Acting Genenral Officer Commanding 7 Division/ Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force OPHK, Component Commanders, formation and unit Commanders, DEPOWA and NAOWA members.