‘Game changer in boosting troops morale’ – DEPOWA applauded over scholarships for children of fallen heroes

The Mothers Peace and Development Forum (MPDF) has hailed the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) for its decision to grant full scholarships to children of fallen heroes, describing the initiative as a game changer in boosting the morale for serving troops.

DEPOWA President, Mrs. Oghogho Musa, recently announced that the scholarship scheme will officially take off with the commissioning of the DEPOWA Future Leaders Academy in September 2026.

She explained that while the programme prioritizes children of fallen soldiers and police officers, it will also extend opportunities to children from nearby communities to strengthen social cohesion.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the MPDF applauded the plan, calling it a “step in the right direction.”

Convener of the Forum, Hajiya Bilikisu Aminu, said the gesture reassures families of fallen heroes about the future of their children. She also praised the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, for consistently backing DEPOWA’s initiatives since assuming office in 2023.

According to Aminu, “We congratulate troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and our Police for this ground breaking 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.”

She further noted that extending scholarships to children from host communities would help build trust between residents and security personnel. “This will make the people in those communities support and cooperate with troops. It will boost intelligence gathering as the people will see troops as part of the community,” she added.

MPDF Secretary, Mrs. Ifeoma Igwe, also praised DEPOWA’s leadership, noting that Mrs. Musa has rolled out several welfare programmes for both bereaved families and those still serving in uniform.

“This goes to show that our amiable Chief of Defence Staff is determined to use not only kinetic, but non-kinetic means to restore peace in our country,” Igwe said.