In a significant stride toward economic empowerment and family support within the military community, the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) has successfully graduated 130 trainees from its Skills Acquisition Centre in Abuja.
The milestone event underscores DEPOWA’s sustained commitment to uplifting widows, vulnerable persons, and families of Nigeria’s servicemen and women through structured vocational training and self-reliance programmes.
Delivering her welcome address, the DEPOWA President, Mrs. Mernan Femi Oluyede, described the Batch 18/2025 graduation as a powerful celebration of transformation, resilience, and renewed opportunity. She noted that the ceremony marks the first graduation under her leadership and reaffirmed the Association’s unwavering mission to equip beneficiaries with practical skills that foster dignity and financial independence. She further announced that each graduate was presented with a starter pack to enable them immediately establish their own businesses.
Representing the Chief of Defence Staff, Rear Admiral Saburi Lawal commended DEPOWA for its consistent and impactful empowerment initiatives. He emphasized the importance of discipline, integrity, innovation, and continuous learning, urging the graduates to maximally utilize the skills acquired to build sustainable livelihoods.
In her goodwill remarks, former DEPOWA President, Mrs. Oghogho G. Musa, expressed deep satisfaction at the programme’s steady growth and enduring impact, noting that it is fulfilling to witness the vision continue to expand and transform lives.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Skills Acquisition Centre, Major PJ Anaya, provided an overview of the training, highlighting that the 130 trainees were equipped in various fields including fashion designing, culinary arts, bag-making, hairdressing, makeup and gele tying, production, and computer appreciation. He commended the graduates for their discipline, teamwork, and outstanding performance throughout the training period.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Grace Attachibe conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the DEPOWA leadership, instructors, sponsors, and partners for the life-changing opportunity, noting that the programme has boosted their confidence and readiness to contribute meaningfully to society.
With starter packs in hand and renewed confidence, the Batch 18/2025 graduates are now well-positioned to establish thriving enterprises, support their families independently, and drive positive change across their communities.
