IWD 2026: DEPOWA, NAOWA Unite to Honour Legacy, Courage of Military Women
By Brown Chimezie,
It was an evening filled with emotion, honour and inspiration as the President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Dr Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, joined forces with the President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, to host a memorable 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Abuja.
Held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Mrs Alero Azazi Event Centre, the event, themed “Give to Gain: An Evening of Grace and Legacy,” brought together a distinguished gathering of military women, veterans, widows and families in a powerful display of unity, recognition and appreciation.
In her keynote address, Dr Shaibu delivered a deeply moving message, describing the evening as a celebration of women who have endured, sacrificed and built lasting legacies within the military community.
She drew attention to the symbolic all-white attire of guests, noting that it reflected peace, dignity and the quiet strength that defines the women being honoured.
The NAOWA President paid glowing tribute to the association’s founding mothers, past leaders and retired officers’ wives, acknowledging their foundational roles in shaping the present and sustaining the values of service and sacrifice.
She stressed that their contributions, though often unseen, continue to resonate across generations.
A poignant highlight of the evening was the recognition of widows of fallen heroes and female veterans, whose courage and resilience, Dr Shaibu said, remain permanently etched in the nation’s history and collective memory.
She also used the occasion to inspire younger military wives in attendance, encouraging them to embrace their journeys with confidence and hope.
According to her, every accomplished woman once navigated uncertainty before discovering her strength, purpose and voice.
The collaboration between NAOWA and DEPOWA stood out as a strong symbol of unity and shared commitment to advancing the welfare, recognition and empowerment of women within the military community.
Dr Shaibu commended Mrs Oluyede for her partnership and support in creating a befitting platform to celebrate and honour remarkable women whose sacrifices continue to inspire generations.
Among dignitaries present at the event was the President of DEPOWA, Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, who was represented by Mrs Osas Edosa.
Also in attendance were former DEPOWA Presidents, Hajiya Malama Fatima Ogohi and Mrs Victoria Anwuli Irabor; former NAOWA Presidents, Mrs Martha Inwade Bamaiyi, Mrs Esther Malu and Mrs Nnenna Gift Ihejirika; as well as the wife of a former Chief of Defence Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), Mrs Fatima Wali Abdulrahman.
Others included Col B.S. Omoge (Rtd), Lt Col S.J. Dibal (Rtd), members of 41RC Rubies, PSOs’ wives at the Army Headquarters, senior officers, wives of fallen heroes, NASWA members, and other invited guests.
Highlights of the event included the opening call, preambles, advice and encouragement from senior officers’ wives, interactive sessions, award presentations, and group photographs.
The evening not only marked the celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, but also served as a poignant reminder of the enduring values of peace, sacrifice, sisterhood and legacy among women in the military community.
