President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa has echoed the United Nations Secretary General’s call to action: ‘Sexual Exploitation and Abuse have no place in our society.’ With a focus on the barracks community and beyond.
Mrs Musa, in a powerful statement marking her one-year anniversary as DEPOWA President also pledged to investigate and address all reported cases, holding perpetrators accountable.
The event, held at the General Gabriel Abayomi Olonisakin Multi-purpose hall, DEPOWA School, Mogadishu Barracks, brought together teens and youth to discuss the prevalent menace of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, as well as drug abuse.
Seasoned resource persons guided the youngsters on these critical topics, empowering them with knowledge and skills to navigate their daily lives.
Mrs Musa’s vision for DEPOWA is clear: ‘Seeing Women and Girls Become Productive and Contributors to Family and Society Driven by Deep Sense of Values and Hard-Working Spirit.’ With a focus on healthcare, fitness, education, agriculture, and skills training, DEPOWA has made a significant impact in the lives of women and youth over the past year.
The President of DEPOWA highlighted the importance of recognizing the severity of the consequences of abuses and working towards reducing its prevalence within the community. She emphasized the need for personal values and goals, urging the youth to know who they are, what they want to achieve, and develop guiding principles to attain their goals.
Mrs Musa pledged her support to any victim who reports sexual exploitation or drug abuse, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. She acknowledged the achievements of DEPOWA over the past year, including the transformation of the Skills Acquisition Centre with state-of-the-art equipment and the constitution of committees for education, welfare, health, and fitness.
The event featured insightful presentations from Mrs Chika Anozie and Mrs Olajumoke Ganiyat Jenyo, who spoke on the dangers of drug abuse and sexual exploitation and abuse, respectively.
Their messages were clear: drug abuse and sexual exploitation and abuse have no place in our society, and together, we can create a safer, more supportive community for all.
As DEPOWA begins its second year under Mrs Musa’s leadership, the association is poised to continue making a difference in the barracks community and beyond. With a commitment to adding value to the lives of women and youth, DEPOWA is a shining example of the impact that can be made when individuals come together towards a common goal.
