Northern Pulse

By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

The President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Mernan Oluyede, has urged greater investment in women, describing them as pillars supporting families, communities and the armed forces.

Oluyede made the call on Monday at the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 celebration organised by the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Officers’ Wives Association at Jaji, Kaduna State.

Oluyede, was represented by Mrs Mekafiye Philips.

Speaking on the years' theme, “Give to Gain,” she said every investment made in women yields immeasurable returns for families, communities and national development.

According to her, in the military environment where discipline, sacrifice and service define daily life, the strength of women remains vital to sustaining homes and supporting those serving the nation.

She said giving time, resources, love and opportunities was not a loss but a pathway to building stronger connections, trust and shared growth within communities.

Oluyede explained that when women are empowered through mentorship, education and encouragement, they develop leadership capacity, confidence and skills that benefit society at large.

She added that investing in women strengthens families, uplifts communities and contributes meaningfully to national development.

The DEPOWA president stressed that women in military communities serve as professionals, mothers, leaders and dependable pillars supporting personnel in active service.

According to her, intentional investment in the wellbeing and development of women would help build stronger homes, institutions and societies.

Earlier, the Coordinator of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Officers’ Wives Association, Mrs Ekene Shogbanmu, said the celebration was an opportunity to recognise the courage, resilience and contributions of women within the barracks community.

She noted that the theme highlighted the importance of sharing time, knowledge, support and kindness to build stronger families and communities.

According to her, women in barracks communities play vital roles as mothers, leaders and peace builders who contribute significantly to social stability.

Shogbanmu added that the association invited successful women, particularly military personnel’s wives who excelled in their careers, to share experiences and inspire others.

She described the occasion as not only a celebration but also a commitment by women to continue contributing positively to their families, communities and society.

Shogbanmu emphasised that when women support and uplift one another, stronger communities and a better future for children are guaranteed.

In a presentation, Dr Aminat Abdullahi, urged women to continually invest in personal development, education and entrepreneurship to improve their economic independence and leadership capacity.

She spoke under the topic; Collaborative Empowerment for Personnel's Wives: From Competition to Collective Growth.

Abdullahi said women must take advantage of opportunities for learning, mentorship and collaboration to strengthen their roles within families and society.

Also speaking, Mrs Abisat Abdullahi, encouraged women to support one another and build networks that promote growth, unity and resilience.

She said when women uplift each other and share experiences, they create stronger communities and contribute meaningfully to peace and development.(NAN)