On Friday, July 18, 2014, the President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Mary Iyah Badeh, laid the foundation for the group’s Skill Acquisition Centre in Abuja. JIBRIN BABA NDACE was there
For over four decades, DEPOWA which has gone through various stages of transformation has always been concern about adding value to humanity. And even though its focus and concentration has been within the barrack environment, its programmes have resonated within Nigerian society.
In furtherance of this noble goal and commitment of the new leadership under the wife of the Chief of Defence Staff and DEPOWA President, Mrs. Mary Iyah Badeh ‘to impact positively’ on its immediate environment and larger Nigerian society, the association performed foundation laying ceremony for a skill acquisition centre.
In her address, DEPOWA President thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh for support given to the association adding that the main objective of the association was to foster friendship, unity and cordial relationship among its members.
Mrs. Badeh disclosed that the association as a humanitarian organisation is focused on development and empowerment of not only its members, but also women and children in the larger society.
“DEPOWA also assist in the development and empowerment of not only the members, but also women and children in the larger society, with the aim of improving their lives and those of their families.”
“We also aim to empower, educate and enlighten women in various areas like economies, health and education. Furthermore, we encourage our members to look for sources of income that could enable them to contribute to the family budget. ”
The president who said they remained committed to cause of the association in line with its motto: ‘Unity and Dedication’ disclosed that the ceremony was in tandem with its objective of empowering youths and women in and around the barracks community.
“As we are aware, the importance of skills in the life of a nation’s citizens as part of nation building cannot be overemphasized. If the youth are gainfully occupied they would not be used as agents of destabilization.”
“Consequently, in line with the transformation agenda of Mr President, the Federal Government in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme resolved to train young Nigerians on different skills.”
“The establishment of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is a pointer to this initiative and its importance to skills acquisition. This effort of Government is being extended to all the states, local government areas and tertiary institutions across the nation. ”
Mrs Badeh who acknowledged that idle mind is a devil workshop said DEPOWA was poised to contribute her quota to the transformation agenda through human capital development.
“To achieve this goal, we have decided to establish a Skills Acquisition Centre. Thus, why we are gathered here today for foundation laying ceremony of the DEPOWA Skills Acquisition Centre, Abuja. It has been said that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop while an idle hand is the devil’s tool. Therefore, empowering the youths will reduce their involvement in criminal activities that poses a threat to national security. ”
Also speaking with journalists, DEPOWA President said the intention of the association is to remove some idle youth from the street. She said the programme was open to all graduates and secondary school leavers adding that the focus on computer literacy, catering among others. She advised the youth not to allow themselves to be used as criminals in the society.
