SPOTLIGHT: Applause as DEPOWA Empowers More Vulnerable Individuals with Entrepreneurial Skills

SPOTLIGHT: Applause as DEPOWA Empowers More Vulnerable Individuals with Entrepreneurial Skills

By Chidi Omeje

In exercise of her much-cherished ‘soft power’, Oghogho Musa, wife of Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff and DEPOWA President, has continued to positively touch the lives of indigent members of society, winning hearts and minds in the process…

The Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) has once again taken a significant step towards empowering military widows and vulnerable individuals within the barracks community, by equipping them with entrepreneurial skills. Under the able leadership of its president, Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa, this initiative, undertaken by the DEPOWA Skills Acquisition Center (DSAC), aims at fostering a community of competitive, self-sufficient, and proficient entrepreneurs.

In a recent graduation ceremony, a total of 111 participants, comprising of military widows and other vulnerable individuals specifically nominated by the various associations under DEPOWA, successfully completed a comprehensive training program. The curriculum encompassed a diverse range of skills, including culinary services, fashion designing, hair making/gele tying, bag making, makeup and barbing, computer appreciation, hair and wig making, barbing and production of household items.

This empowerment initiative is designed to enable the graduates to make a meaningful impact in the market, while also improving their socio-economic well-being. By providing these individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge, DEPOWA is playing a vital role in promoting financial independence, self-reliance, and community development within the military barracks.

DEPOWA President, Mrs Oghogho Musa, expressed her satisfaction in the transformation of the graduants and urged them to make good use of the opportunity to better their lives and equally better the lives of others with the new skills acquired. She said, “your achievement today goes beyond personal success as it lays the foundation for a brighter future for your families and a stronger, more resilient society”.

In his address, the Special Guest of Honour, the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Gwabin Musa advocated for entrepreneurship and skill acquisition, noting that the government cannot employ everyone; hence, “We must be able to develop our skills so that we too can be employers of labour just like these ones. And I’m sure in a few months some of you will see you in Broadway having models and calling your name as the top designers in the country.”

General Musa said the DEPOWA has proven to be a ray of sunshine, an embodiment of hope and empowerment, equipping individuals with the right skills set to lead more fulfilling and independent lives. The Skills Accusation Program exemplifies DEPOWA’s commitment to creating sustainable opportunities for personnel and collective growth within our society. He advised the graduating students to note that the training they have acquired also equipped them with the values of discipline, adaptability, and innovation which we all stand for. “These qualities will be essential as you navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead. As such, consider this a great privilege and make the most of it.

He added that the skills they have acquired today, whether in tailoring, catering, hairmaking, information and communication technology, or any other vocational training offered here, are more than just technical expertise. They are the foundation upon which you can build careers, start businesses, and transform your dreams into reality.

“As you begin this new phase of your lives, remember that the world values excellence, creativity, and hard work. By putting your skills to use, you are contributing to the socio-economic development of our nation, fostering progress and creating a ripple effect of positive change. While striving to achieve personal success, ensure you also inspire and uplift others around you.

“Ensure you improve yourself economically and socially while significantly contributing your quota to nation building by becoming employers of labour at various levels. Let me also take this moment to commend the coordinator and staff of DSAC for your resolute dedication to empowering these beneficiaries. You have guided and transformed these graduates with patience and expertise.” he said
Earlier in her remarks, DEPOWA President and wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa expressed happiness by the extent of transformation displayed by all graduating students of DEPOWA Skills Acquisition Centre (DSAC)Batch 17\24.

“I saw determination and witness to them, and today I’m impressed by the essence of transformation displayed by you all, from not having a skill to becoming professionals, professional fashion designers, chairs, makeup artists, computer operators, household items, barber hair and Bag Making makers.
“You are stepping forward with new skills, new opportunities, and most importantly the renaissance of purpose and potentials

She urged them to stay focused, make use of the opportunities to better their lives and equally better the lives of others.
“As you graduate from the Defense and Police Officers’ Wife Association Skills Acquisition Centre, you are stepping forward with new skills, new opportunities, and most importantly, with a new sense of purpose and potential. Bear in mind that still individual create employment, generate income, and importantly, inspire others. Your achievement today go beyond personal success. They lay the foundation for a brighter future for your families and a stronger, more resilient”, she stressed.

During his introduction of graduating students and Course highlights, the Commandant, DEPOWA Skills Acquisition Centre (DSAC), Major Benjamin Ananya pointed out that the current standard and quality of training witnessed is the conceived vision of DEPOWA President, Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa. The center is equipped with world-class equipment to facilitate an effective teaching and learning environment. Additionally, the center is served with highly qualified and motivated instructors who are well-reputed to ensure exceptional guidance.
Under her leadership, the Defence and Police Officers Skills Education Center has been connected to internet services, which has further enhanced our capabilities.

Throughout the course, the students have demonstrated exceptional behaviours and exemplary conduct. Their individual contributions, teamwork, and collective cooperation were commendable as there were no cases of indiscipline recorded.


The highlight of the graduation ceremony was the presentation of certificates and starter packs to beneficiaries and special souvenirs by the President, DEPOWA to Special Guest of Honours and all Service Chiefs present. This is the third graduation of this empowerment program since the assumption of office of Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa as the DEPOWA President.

*Additional reports by Spye News