Mrs. Mernan Femi Oluyede is an accomplished legal practitioner with over 3 decades of post-qualification experience. She is admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in Nigeria, Ireland, and England and Wales. She holds a Master’s degree in International and Comparative Law, as well as a professional certification in Strategic Policy Planning. Her distinguished career spans legal practice, public service, and impactful contributions to national and international non-governmental organizations.

A woman of excellence, vision, and purpose, Mrs. Oluyede previously served as the 24th President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA). Her tenure was marked by unwavering dedication to NAOWA’s core objectives—promoting friendship, enhancing women’s participation in national development, and reducing poverty through education, skills acquisition, and strategic empowerment initiatives.

Her visionary leadership and passion for humanitarian service led to the successful execution of several innovative and people-centred projects, including:

Educational and Institutional Development

• Installation of solar power and CCTV systems at NAOWA Primary School, Kurudu.
• Construction of a new classroom block at the NAOWA Model Nursery and Primary School, Kurudu.
• Renovation and equipping of the playground at NAOWA Model School, Kurudu.
• Renovation of classroom blocks at NAOWA Model School, Kurudu.
• Renovation of the NAOWA Institute of Management and Technology (NIMT), Asokoro.
• Installation of solar power systems at NAOWA Model School, Asokoro.
• Construction of a CBT Centre and laboratories at NAOWA College, Kurudu.
• Construction of a Dining and Preparatory Hall, and a CBT Centre at NAOWA College, Asokoro.

Healthcare Support and Humanitarian Contributions

• Upgrade of the Army Command and NAOWA Hospital, Abuja.
• Equipping of the Labour Ward Theatre at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna.
• Support to the Oncology Emergency Department at the National Hospital Centre of Excellence, Abuja.
• Donations and contributions aimed at strengthening the Army Command and NAOWA Hospital, Abuja.

Women Empowerment and Economic Advancement

• Establishment of the NAOWA Multipurpose Cooperative Society to support financial inclusion and economic growth for women and families within the military community.

Now serving as the 16th President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oluyede continues to champion impactful initiatives that uplift families of the Armed Forces, foster community development, and promote national unity through service.

Mrs. Oluyede is happily married to General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff, and their union is blessed with children.