The Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) has launched a spirited campaign for women in military families to prioritise their health, hosting a comprehensive health talk in Abuja that doubled as a wellness drive and rallying call for nationwide engagement.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) has launched a spirited campaign for women in military families to prioritise their health, hosting a comprehensive health talk in Abuja that doubled as a wellness drive and rallying call for nationwide engagement.
Held in the Federal Capital Territory, the event brought together healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, and DEPOWA members for a day of awareness, medical screenings, and dialogue on preventive care, maternal health, and mental well-being.
In her opening remarks, DEPOWA President, Mrs. Oghogho Musa, described the programme as more than a routine seminar, declaring it “a movement and a call to action.”
“To serve others well, we must first be well ourselves,” she said. “Your health is not a luxury — it is your strongest uniform.”
Mrs. Musa also announced that DEPOWA will take the health initiative to all six geopolitical zones of the country to promote inclusivity and nationwide participation.
“This initiative will not stop in Abuja. We are taking it to all the zones, because every woman, regardless of location, deserves to be informed, empowered, and well,” she affirmed.
She credited the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and founder of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her unwavering commitment to women’s development, and praised her husband, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, for his steadfast support of DEPOWA’s mission.
One of the highlights of the event was a detailed session on menopause by Dr. Juliette Ango, Chairperson of DEPOWA’s Sports Committee. Her presentation shed light on the hormonal, physical, and emotional changes that accompany the transition, calling for openness and early intervention.
“Understanding menopause is crucial to managing it well. Women need knowledge, support, and timely medical care to thrive through this stage,” Dr. Ango said.
Mrs. Esther Atta, National Coordinator for HIV Awareness, also addressed participants with a powerful presentation on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV.
“With proper antenatal care and early intervention, the chances of a child being born HIV-positive can be significantly reduced,” she said, stressing the role of early testing and adherence to antiretroviral treatment.
In addition to expert talks, the event featured interactive sessions, wellness screenings, and practical demonstrations on disease prevention, mental health care, and lifestyle improvement.
Participants left not only better informed but also inspired to make their personal well-being a priority — recognising that strong families and communities begin with healthy women.
DEPOWA reaffirmed that the initiative is not a one-off programme but a critical, life-saving mission aligned with its core vision: service, support, and sustainability for military families.