Nigeria’s DEPOWA at UN side event in New York, calls for women’s empowerment for sustainable development
New York, March 2025
Nigeria’s Defense and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) recently successfully hosted its Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) 69 Side Event at the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations in New York, with the theme “Transforming Women through Empowerment, Innovations, and Partnerships for Sustainable Development.”
The event, held on the sidelines of the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women (10 to 21 March 2025) being held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA, brought together dignitaries, including diplomats, policymakers, industry leaders, and women’s empowerment advocates.
It also provided a platform to discuss innovative strategies for advancing women’s economic and social inclusion, and ended with a resounding call for women’s empowerment for sustainable development.
The program commenced with an inspiring speech by Mrs. Oghogho G. Musa, President of DEPOWA and wife of Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). She reaffirmed the association’s commitment to uplifting women through education, skills acquisition, financial literacy, and economic opportunities.
Mrs. Musa also emphasized the critical role of innovation and partnerships in ensuring sustainable development and called on stakeholders to take proactive steps toward empowering women.
The Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) of the United Nations, Ms. Amina Mohammed, represented by Ms. Lara Blanco, delivered the keynote address at the well attended event and shared the DSG’s speech, emphasizing the critical role of global partnerships in fostering gender equality and sustainable development.
The event featured an engaging panel discussion moderated by Mrs. Maria Dada a City University of New York (CUNY) adjunct professor, with leaders from various armed forces wives’ organizations, including NOAWA, headed by Mrs. Menan Femi Oluyede (wife of the Chief of Army Staff), NAFOWA – Arc Dr. Rakiya Abubakar (wife of the Chief of Air Staff), DIAOWA – Mrs. Jane Undiandeye (wife of the Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency) and POWA – Mrs. Elizabeth Egbetokun (wife of the Inspector General of Police), all of who shared insights into their respective empowerment programs, challenges, and pathways to greater impact.
Government representatives, including Her Excellency, Mrs. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development of Nigeria and wives of various state governors, including Erelu Ngozi Abeni Adeleke (Osun), Hajiya Zulaiha Dikko Radda (Katsina) and Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori (Delta), were also in attendance.
A major highlight of the event was the commitment made by Dr. Philip Ozuah, a distinguished guest speaker, who acknowledged DEPOWA’s efforts and pledged his support towards advancing the association’s mission. His promise marked a significant opportunity for further collaborations that will enhance health education and economic empowerment for women in Nigeria.
Other renowned speakers, including Ms. Olajobi Makinwa, Ms. Rosa Malango, and Weleayam Joy Iruegbukpe, shared invaluable insights into the power of financial literacy, strategic partnerships, and sustainable economic practices in empowering women.
DEPOWA extended its appreciation to all the distinguished guests, panelists, and participants for making the event a monumental success and assured that the association would remain committed to driving transformative initiatives that would uplift women and contribute to sustainable development.
