The Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) on Saturday, September 13, 2025, hosted its monthly “Walk for Health” aerobics exercise at Mogadishu Barracks, Abuja, bringing together families of military, police, FRSC, Customs officers, and fitness enthusiasts for a day of wellness and bonding.
Led by DEPOWA President, Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, participants kicked off the event with a fitness walk through designated routes in Asokoro, before engaging in aerobics, dance sessions, and free medical checks, including blood pressure screenings.
Mrs. Musa, while addressing participants, said the initiative reflects DEPOWA’s commitment to the holistic well-being of its members and their families.
“The Walk for Health is not just about physical fitness; it’s about reducing stress, promoting mental wellness, and fostering unity within the military and police community,” she stated.
She further highlighted that under her leadership, DEPOWA is prioritizing health advocacy, environmental cleanliness within barracks, empowerment programmes, and community service as part of its broader vision of supporting officers and their families.
Some participants described the monthly programme as “refreshing and impactful,” noting that it has improved their health while strengthening camaraderie among officers’ families. Over time, the Walk for Health has become a rallying point for fitness, discipline, and social interaction within the Armed Forces and Police community in Abuja and beyond.
The FCT Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, commended Mrs. Musa’s leadership and praised DEPOWA for championing initiatives that support military wives and children.
The FCT Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, lauded the leadership of Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa for steering DEPOWA towards programmes that directly impact the health and welfare of military and police families. She noted that initiatives such as the monthly “Walk for Health” demonstrate not only foresight but also genuine concern for the well-being of women, youths, and children within the barracks communities.
Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi further emphasized that DEPOWA’s consistent drive to promote fitness, unity, and empowerment reflects the kind of collaborative efforts needed to strengthen family bonds and national cohesion. She urged participants to take advantage of such platforms to improve their lifestyles, while commending Mrs. Musa for setting a standard of service, resilience, and care for the families of officers who make daily sacrifices for the country.
Also speaking at the event, a public health expert, Dr. Enobong Obot, educated participants on the prevention of heart disease and encouraged women to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Dr. Enobong Obot, took participants through a health awareness session focused on the prevention of heart disease, one of the leading causes of death globally. She explained that lifestyle choices such as unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, smoking, and unmanaged stress significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. According to her, regular physical activity, healthy nutrition, and periodic medical check-ups are simple but effective steps to reduce the risks.
She further encouraged women, particularly those in military and police communities, to prioritize their health despite busy family and work schedules. She stressed that caring for their well-being equips them to better support their households and communities. She also praised DEPOWA for integrating medical checks and expert talks into the fitness programme, describing it as a holistic approach to wellness that goes beyond physical exercise.
The September edition of the Walk for Health once again highlighted DEPOWA’s role as a unifying force for families of security personnel, combining fitness, health education, and community bonding in one impactful event. With growing participation and continued support from health experts and government officials, the initiative is steadily shaping a culture of wellness and solidarity within the military and police community, while reinforcing DEPOWA’s vision of healthier, stronger, and more resilient families.
