Military families’ welfare critical to personnel morale, says Oluyede’s wife

The welfare and security of military families are paramount to the morale and effectiveness of personnel serving the nation, according to Mrs. Mernan Oluyede, President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).

Speaking at a child welfare program in Abuja, Oluyede stressed the importance of providing children of military personnel with safe, nurturing homes. She noted that the demands of military service, including deployments, frequent relocations, and inherent uncertainties, place unique pressures on spouses and children.

"When our children are secure, properly educated and emotionally supported, our homes become more resilient," Oluyede stated. "When our homes are resilient, our personnel are better positioned to discharge their responsibilities with confidence and peace of mind." She added that strong families bolster personnel morale, which in turn strengthens security institutions and national security.

Oluyede also urged parents and caregivers to pay closer attention to children's mental and emotional well-being, recognizing that children may not always articulate feelings of anxiety, loneliness, or fear. Furthermore, she advised parents to increase their awareness of online risks such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and misinformation, emphasizing that parental engagement and open communication are vital for protecting children in the digital age.

The DEPOWA president commended the National Defence College Officers’ Welfare Association for organizing the program, praising its focus on education, child protection, and the impact of social media as timely. Earlier, the program's coordinator, Mrs. Hauwa Ahmed, reiterated the association's commitment to promoting the welfare of women, children, and vulnerable individuals through various initiatives, underscoring that child welfare is a collective responsibility.

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When our children are secure, properly educated and emotionally supported, our homes become more resilient. When our homes are resilient, our personnel are better positioned to discharge their responsibilities with confidence and peace of mind.