Wife of the President, Dr. Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari has commended wives of military and police officers for playing noble roles in boosting the morale of their spouses, especially in periods of crises, calling on them to continue to promote those ideals and values that promote peace and prevent social and criminal vices.
She was speaking during the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) Week, 2019 at the National Defence College, Abuja on Tuesday 2nd April, 2019.
Mrs. Buhari noted that government has recorded tremendous successes in security matters, and must also be credited with taking concrete steps to improve on the situation it inherited in welfare and security of the country.
She called on them to collaborate with security agencies in their responsibility of safeguarding our nation, in order to anticipate and prevent crises in our communities.
“Information is vital to peaceful coexistence. As we are all aware, all criminals are members of our society, and they live in our midst, we therefore have a duty to expose them. I should also state that we parents have a responsibility to ensure that we take exceptional interest in the development of our children.” she averred.
She commended members of DEPOWA for the projects that they embark upon to improve the lives of families of fallen heroes and urge them to increase public enlightenment activities in the barracks for the purpose of ensuring that children are brought up in a proper manner, and also prepare them for their future role as leaders of our nation.
President of DEPOWA and wife of Chief of Defence Staff, Mrs. Omobolanle Olonisakin in her welcome remarks highlighted the role that the organization plays in providing succor to the families of fallen heroes and other less privileged members of the society. She called for the inclusion of families of military and police officers in the welfare-related policies of the nation.
Mrs. Olonisakin spoke of the highlight of the event, which is the public presentation of a book titled “Nigeria’s Defence and Security: the role of military families”. The book she said, will serve as a reference material for both Nigeria and globally in addressing recurrent challenges. She promised that proceeds from the launch will be donated to charity.
Chief of Defence Staff, General A.G. Olonisakin while reviewing the book spoke of the increasing number of female military officers and therefore the corresponding increase in male spouses. This, he points out indicates that the notion of the military as anti-feminine is gradually fading away.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustafa was represented at the event by Mrs. Habibat Lawal, a Permanent Secretary.
