By Lawrence Audu
The South-South Women Empowerment Forum (SSWEF) has expressed its appreciation for the efforts the President of the Defence and Police Officers Wife’s Association (DEPOWA) and Wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, Mrs Oghogho Musa, for reaching out to widows of fallen heroes in the region.
This commendation comes in light of her recent philanthropic activities in honour of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
As part of the commemorations, the DEPOWA President generously donated food items to 120 widows at the headquarters of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe in Yenagoa. Additionally, about 150 widows of Fallen Heroes in Rivers State were the beneficiaries of palliatives distributed by DEPOWA at the 29 Battalion Parade Ground, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt.
In a press release signed by the President, Mrs. Michelle Amakiri, and Secretary, Dr. Eno Akpan, the SSWEF lauded the various initiatives of DEPOWA, emphasizing the significant impact on ongoing military operations across the country. The group highlighted that these initiatives serve as a morale booster for troops, encouraging them to continue giving their best in service to their country.
The SSWEF also expressed their commitment to offering prayers for the safe return of troops to their families, acknowledging the invaluable sacrifices made by these brave men and women. They stressed the importance of endeavors that aim to uplift and support the military in the ongoing fight against insurgency, emphasizing that any effort to encourage and empower them is a significant positive contribution.
According to SSWEF, “We will continue to pray for safe return of our troops to their families. Their sacrifices for our country is invaluable and will not be forgotten. Anything done to encourage them is a plus for the war against insurgency.
“We also commend the President of the Defense and Police Officers Wife’s Association and Wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, Oghogho Musa for her engagement with other stakeholders who are bringing in different forms of support to widows of fallen heroes and families of serving personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“With what is being done, our troops are aware that not just the Armed Forces, other Nigerians appreciate what they are doing to return peace and stability to troubled spots in the country.”
Recall also that recently, Promiseland, a Real Estate firm, in conjunction with DEPOWA, presented plots of land to families and widows of fallen Nigerian heroes.
This is in addition to the Elderly Support Scheme under the Renewed Hope Initiative, spearheaded by Senator Remi Tinubu, the First Lady, in partnership with DEPOWA earmarked a total of N950 million to assist 250 retired military and police personnel in Abuja.
