The President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Musa, has called for improved self-care and health consciousness among the spouses of military personnel.
Musa made the call at a special DEPOWA Health Talk tagged “Wellness for the Women Who Hold the Home,” on Friday in Abuja.
She commended the strength, resilience, and quiet sacrifices of military wives, emphasising that personal well-being was not a luxury but a necessity.
She noted that military wives are known for discipline, devotion, and duty.
“But often, in our service to others, we forget to serve our own bodies and minds.
“It is a movement and a declaration that we will no longer neglect ourselves in the name of sacrifice,” she said.
The DEPOWA President encouraged attendees to reflect deeply on their habits and health choices, by sleeping enough, eating right, and prioritising their physical, emotional, and mental wellness.
She reaffirmed the association’s evolving mission of service, adding that DEPOWA was widening its lens to begin to serve its members with the same intentionality they give to others.
“When the wife is well, the home stands tall. Let today be the day you choose you. Your health is your greatest wealth,” she concluded.
A guest speaker, Mrs. Esther Attah, who is the National Coordinator, Women Living with HIV/AIDS, said that health was the main limiting factor to being productive.
Attah urged the women to be concerned and deliberate about taking care of their physical, mental, and emotional health as well as nutrition.
She also emphasised that HIV was a condition and not a death sentence, adding that an HIV-positive person can live well and normally provided proper care is taken.
The event highlighted sessions on preventive care, early detection of diseases, nutrition, mental health, and debunking harmful health myths. Medical experts provided valuable insights and practical health tips aimed at empowering women to take proactive steps in safeguarding their well-being.
The event was attended by more than 500 wives of military and police officers.
