The outgoing President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa, has expressed deep gratitude to members of the association as she officially handed over leadership after more than two years of service.
In an emotional farewell message titled “A Tribute of Gratitude,” Mrs Musa described her tenure as one of the greatest honours of her life, saying it strengthened her faith in the power of love, unity, and purposeful service among women.
“Serving as President of DEPOWA for over two years has been one of the greatest honours of my life. This journey has shaped me, strengthened me, and deepened my belief in the power of love, unity, and purposeful service,” she stated.
She thanked members of the association for their cooperation and solidarity throughout her leadership, describing them as women of grace and courage who made collective impact possible.
“To every DEPOWA sister who prayed, advised, encouraged, corrected, visited, or served alongside me — thank you. You made the vision clearer, the journey lighter, and the impact greater,” she said.
Mrs Musa commended the Executives, Coordinators, Committee Leads, and Volunteers for their dedication and creativity, saying their sacrifices ensured that DEPOWA’s vision for women empowerment, family welfare, and education was advanced.
She highlighted the establishment of DEPOWA College as one of the signature projects of her tenure, describing it as a legacy initiative designed to empower children with quality education, leadership values, and skills for the future.
“I had the honour of laying its foundation and advancing its vision. It is my prayer that God will bless the hands that will complete and expand it,” she noted.
The outgoing president also lauded the strengthening of partnerships among sister associations — NAOWA, NOWA, NAFOWA, and POWA — which, she said, helped to foster unity and collective service among wives of officers in the Armed Forces and Police.
Mrs Musa further recalled DEPOWA’s growing international engagements during her tenure, including strategic partnerships in Senegal and Rwanda, and participation in global health and research collaborations such as the MODHIP–WRAIR Nigeria partnership.
“We planted seeds of cooperation that I believe will yield great value in the coming years,” she remarked.
In her message, Mrs Musa paid tribute to wives of service members and fallen heroes, describing them as pillars of resilience and fortitude who embody the spirit of sacrifice and strength behind the nation’s armed forces.
She also expressed heartfelt appreciation to her husband, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), for his love and support, noting that his devotion to national service and family served as her anchor throughout her leadership.
As she handed over to the incoming DEPOWA President, Mrs Musa urged members to remain united and supportive of the new leadership.
“A leader can only succeed when surrounded by women of goodwill, service, and unity. I trust that DEPOWA will continue to uphold this spirit,” she said.
Concluding her message, she reaffirmed her lifelong commitment to the association and prayed for continued peace, unity, and growth within the DEPOWA family.
“Though my tenure comes to an end, my commitment to this family remains. True leadership is not measured by the position we hold, but by the lives we uplift and the love we leave behind,” she said.
Mrs Oghogho Musa Bows Out as DEPOWA President, Extols Unity, Women Empowerment
