The Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commended the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) for its transformative welfare initiatives targeted at enhancing unity, well-being and support for families of personnel of the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement, Acting Director, Army Public Relations Colonel Appolonia Anele said Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the commendation on Monday, December 22, 2025, while receiving the President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Mernan Femi Oluyede, alongside members of the association’s executive, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
The Army Chief pledged the Nigerian Army’s sustained collaboration and institutional support to enable DEPOWA effectively deliver on its mandate. He urged the association to continue its vocational training and empowerment programmes, noting that such initiatives are critical to equipping personnel and their families with relevant skills to achieve self-reliance and maximise their potential.
He further applauded DEPOWA’s interventions, including the renovation of schools within Abuja and the construction of laboratory facilities, describing them as impactful initiatives that would significantly improve learning environments and enhance the overall welfare of children of military personnel.
According to the CoAS, DEPOWA’s activities align with his leadership vision of advancing the Nigerian Army into “a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a multi-agency environment.”
Earlier, the President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Oluyede, congratulated Lieutenant General Shaibu on his appointment as the 25th Chief of Army Staff. She explained that the visit was aimed at reaffirming DEPOWA’s commitment to strengthening support systems for families of serving personnel, while emphasising the need to empower and equip them to cope with the unique demands of military and police service.
Mrs. Oluyede also commended the CoAS for his unwavering focus on improving combat readiness, troop welfare and morale, as well as sustaining professionalism within the Nigerian Army. She appealed for the continued support of the Army leadership to ensure the successful implementation of DEPOWA’s programmes.
The visit featured the presentation of a commemorative plaque, exchange of souvenirs and a group photograph.
