Forum Hails Defence, Police Officers Wives’ Scholarship Scheme

A women’s group, Mothers for Peace and Development Forum (MPDF), has said the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA’s) resolve to offer scholarships to the children of fallen heroes has started boosting troops’ morale.

The president of DEPOWA, Mrs. Oghogho Musa, recently explained that the scholarship would commence with the inauguration of DEPOWA Future Leaders Academy scheduled for September 2026.

She said the scholarships would benefit the children of fallen heroes and bolster national cohesion by admitting children from surrounding communities.

At a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the forum commended the DEPOWA president and her team for the initiative, saying it is a step in the right direction.

The convener of the MPDF, Hajiya Bilikisu Aminu, said the widows and children of fallen heroes always feared for the future, but with the DEPOWA initiative, they are assured of a brighter tomorrow.

She also commended the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, for supporting DEPOWA’s initiatives since his assumption of office in 2023.

The forum urged troops to reciprocate the DEPOWA gesture by making sure enemies of the country are decisively dealt with.

According to the convener, “We congratulate troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and our police for this groundbreaking initiative by DEPOWA. It is an assurance that you have a solid backing as you pursue and deal with those who say we will have no peace in our country.

“We also commend DEPOWA for the well-thought-out plan to admit children from surrounding communities. This will make the people in those communities to support and cooperate with troops. It will boost intelligence gathering as the people will see troops as part of the community,” she said.

The Secretary of the MPDF, Mrs Ifeoma Igwe, said that since she assumed office, Mrs Musa has introduced numerous initiatives to help the families of fallen heroes and those still in