The President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Mernan Femi-Oluyede, on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, graced the commissioning of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre, Dining Hall, and Preparatory Hall at the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association College, Asokoro, Abuja—landmark projects initiated under her leadership as the 24th President of NAOWA and successfully completed through collaborative efforts with her successor, the 25th President of NAOWA, Mrs. Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu.
The projects were formally commissioned by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W Shaibu, and form part of Mrs. Oluyede’s enduring legacy as NAOWA President.
They were subsequently handed over to her successor, Mrs. Shaffiyah Hassan Shaibu, reflecting a seamless transition anchored on institutional continuity and shared commitment to excellence.
Conceived during her tenure, the facilities were designed as sustainable, long-term interventions aimed at strengthening educational standards and enhancing the overall learning environment within the College.
In her remarks, Mrs. Oluyede commended NAOWA’s unwavering commitment to educational excellence, describing the newly inaugurated facilities as symbols of vision, dedication, and purposeful leadership. She noted that while the projects were initiated under her administration, they were successfully completed through collaborative efforts with her successor.
Emphasising the importance of continuity in leadership, she praised Mrs. Shaibu for sustaining the vision and ensuring the successful delivery of the projects. According to her, the facilities will significantly enhance academic standards, equip students with vital digital literacy skills, and better prepare them for the demands of a technology-driven world.
She acknowledged the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, Armed Forces Medal, for his unwavering support to women-focused initiatives and his sustained commitment to the welfare of the barracks community by providing an enabling environment for DEPOWA and sister associations to thrive. She also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, for commissioning the projects and for his consistent support to NAOWA and DEPOWA initiatives that advance educational and community development within the barracks environment.
Mrs. Oluyede further acknowledged the invaluable contributions of former Presidents of NAOWA, whose dedication, foresight, and commitment laid the strong foundation upon which the Association continues to build and thrive across successive administrations.
The CBT Centre is expected to improve students’ preparedness for computer-based examinations and align the College with modern digital learning systems.
The Dining and Preparatory Halls were established to promote discipline, coordination, and student welfare—key pillars that support holistic development and academic excellence.
The ceremony attracted past Presidents of DEPOWA and NAOWA, representatives of the Presidents of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association, Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association, and Police Officers’ Wives Association, alongside the key stakeholders, members of the Parent-Teacher Association, and other well-wishers.
Highlights included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a group photograph session, marking another milestone in DEPOWA’s sustained commitment to institutional development and educational advancement.
Mrs. Adebimpe Abimbola
PRO, DEPOWA
27 February 2026
