ASABA/Nigeria: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has commended the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) for its humanitarian initiatives in support of widows and children of Nigeria’s fallen heroes, pledging his administration’s partnership in sustaining their programmes.
The governor gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving the President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Oghogho Musa, wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, and her delegation at Government House, Asaba.
Welcoming the team, Oborevwori described Mrs. Musa as a proud daughter of Delta and lauded her decision to host DEPOWA’s empowerment seminar for widows in Asaba, drawing participants from Delta, Edo, Anambra, and Enugu States.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome you home. Your commitment to uplifting the families of our fallen heroes is deeply commendable. As a government, we are proud to be associated with initiatives that give hope, skills, and opportunities to widows, helping them to build sustainable livelihoods,” the governor said.
He recalled that only last month his administration empowered 10,000 widows across Delta through skills training, financial grants to establish small businesses, and free access to medical care. Oborevwori added that the sacrifices of fallen heroes must never be forgotten, assuring that his government would continue to champion causes that secure a brighter future for their families.
Earlier, Mrs. Musa explained that DEPOWA brings together the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA), Nigerian Air Force Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA), and Police Officers Wives Association (POWA).
She said the group, originally created to support members whose spouses were often away on national duty, has evolved into a platform for humanitarian and development services, with widows and orphans of fallen heroes as its central focus.
Highlighting the ongoing training seminar in Asaba, she noted that the programme was designed to provide emotional support, financial literacy, and empowerment opportunities for widows, helping them to rebuild their lives despite grief and loss.
Mrs. Musa also announced the establishment of the DEPOWA Future Leadership Academy in Abuja, scheduled for commissioning in September 2026, which will provide automatic scholarships for children of fallen heroes as a lasting tribute to their parents’ sacrifices.
“Your Excellency, we are profoundly grateful for your impactful youth and women empowerment initiatives which align with our vision. With the DEPOWA Future Leadership Academy, we hope to build a living legacy for generations to come,” she said.
She added that the visit formed part of DEPOWA’s ongoing “Thank You Campaign,” a national initiative to celebrate and support Nigeria’s Armed Forces and Police personnel for their selfless service to the nation.
