The Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), have paid glowing tributes to its immediate past President, Oghogho Musa, for her impactful and people-centred leadership during her tenure.
Musa, whose husband, Gen. Christopher Musa, is now the Minister of Defence, led the association with focus, strengthened family welfare and community service during her stint as president DEPOWA.
Speaking at the Send-Off Dinner in honour of the former president, the President of DEPOWA, Mernan Oluyede, said that Musa’s tenure was marked by compassion, purpose and inclusive programmes that refocused the association on women empowerment, youth development and social outreach.
Oluyede noted that Musa’s leadership reinforced the importance of strong family as bedrock of strong institutions and national security, adding that her initiatives deepened unity among service spousal associations.
According to her, Musa expanded DEPOWA’s support to vulnerable members of the military and police community.
She commended Musa for her mentorship and commitment to institutional continuity, assuring her of the association’s continued support as she transitions to a new phase of service.
“Under your leadership, DEPOWA experienced renewed focus on family welfare, women empowerment, youth development, and community outreach.
“Your vision reaffirmed the enduring truth that strong families form the foundation of strong institutions and indeed a secure nation.
“This send-off dinner affords us the opportunity to reflect on the milestones achieved during your tenure and celebrate the legacy of service you left behind.
“It is also to reaffirm our collective commitment to the core values upon which DEPOWA was founded which are unity, service, compassion, and excellence,” she said.
In her remarks, Musa said the association’s strength laid in enduring sisterhood and shared purpose, not positions or timelines, adding that the gathering underscored the continuity of DEPOWA’s mission.
She described her tenure as one of the most meaningful chapters of her life marked by teamwork, sacrifice and sincere service.
Musa also said that the milestones recorded under her leadership were the outcome of collective effort by women who consistently supported one another with courage and compassion.
She noted that DEPOWA strengthened its structures, expanded welfare and empowerment programmes and pursued projects focused on long-term impact, stressing that the DEPOWA College remained particularly dear to her heart.
According to her, completion of the college is essential as a symbol of continuity, education and commitment to the future of members’ children.
She urged the current leadership to sustain momentum and deliver the project with urgency and unity.
She added that leadership transition should strengthen institutions when continuity is preserved, calling on the new leadership to protect existing gains and build confidently on established foundations with integrity and empathy.
Musa further expressed gratitude for the support extended to her family, while conveying appreciation from her husband and reaffirming her unbroken bond with DEPOWA.
She urged members to remain united as the occasion marked not a farewell but a continuation of shared service, sisterhood and enduring legacy.
The event drew past DEPOWA presidents, leaders of sister service spousal associations, senior officers’ spouses, and other stakeholders, who lauded Musa’s legacy and pledged continued collaboration to advance the welfare of military and police families nationwide.
