The President of the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA), Mrs. Ngozi Aneke, has reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), describing the organisation as a model of compassionate leadership and impactful humanitarian service.
Mrs. Aneke made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Mernan Femi Oluyede, at the DEPOWA National Secretariat in Abuja.
Leading a delegation of NAFOWA executive members, she said the visit was aimed at introducing her administration’s vision and strategic priorities while drawing from DEPOWA’s extensive experience in advancing the welfare of military and police families across Nigeria.
She commended Mrs. Oluyede for her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of service personnel and their families.
“We are indeed delighted to be here today. Let me begin by commending your exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of military and police families across the nation,” Mrs. Aneke said.
She noted that DEPOWA’s humanitarian interventions had continued to positively impact widows, women, children, veterans and other vulnerable members of society.
“Through your vision, compassion and numerous humanitarian interventions, DEPOWA has continued to make remarkable contributions to the lives of widows, women, children, veterans and other vulnerable members of our society. These achievements have not only brought hope to countless families but have also set a worthy example of purposeful leadership and selfless service,” she added.
Mrs. Aneke outlined the priorities of her administration, which include improving educational standards across NAFOWA schools, expanding healthcare initiatives, promoting women’s empowerment, supporting widows, fostering youth development and strengthening vocational and entrepreneurial programmes through sustainable projects.
She reaffirmed NAFOWA’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian Air Force personnel and their families, noting that DEPOWA’s achievements offered valuable lessons for the association.
“Your achievements provide valuable lessons that will enrich our own efforts. We are confident that the insights and guidance gained through this engagement will further strengthen our resolve to serve humanity with greater dedication and excellence,” she said.
In her response, DEPOWA President Mrs. Mernan Femi Oluyede stressed the importance of unity and collaboration among officers’ wives’ associations, saying greater impact could only be achieved through collective action.
“While we continue to uplift and work for the benefit of our respective constituencies, we will achieve much more by working together,” she said.
Mrs. Oluyede congratulated Mrs. Aneke on her appointment as NAFOWA President and highlighted the shared experiences of military and police families, including the sacrifices, risks and responsibilities associated with supporting spouses serving the nation.
“There is so much that binds us together; the nature of our husbands’ profession, the risks they undertake, and the responsibilities we shoulder as mothers and wives raising our children while they are away in service to the nation,” she said.
She assured the NAFOWA President of DEPOWA’s full support for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of military families and vulnerable members of society, expressing confidence that closer collaboration between both organisations would enhance their humanitarian impact and strengthen their shared commitment to service.
