Mrs. Oghogho Musa, President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), has made a passionate plea to address and eradicate sexual abuse within the barracks community and beyond.
This call to action was made during a seminar on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Abuja, marking her first anniversary in office.
Mrs. Musa emphasized the deliberate choice of hosting the seminar with a focus on teenagers and youth, noting that the topics were carefully selected to address critical issues.
She highlighted that sexual exploitation and abuse are rampant in society, often going unreported, and that the barracks community is not immune to these issues.
Quoting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, she stated, “Sexual Exploitation and Abuse have no place in our society. We recognize the severity of the consequences and we aim to work towards reducing its prevalence within our communities and immediate environs.”
Mrs. Musa underscored the importance of educating the youth about the dangers of drug abuse, urging them to develop personal values that would guide them towards a promising future.
To this end, DEPOWA invited experienced resource persons to guide the youth on these topics, hoping they would incorporate the lessons into their daily lives.
Mrs. Musa also pledged unwavering support to any victims reporting sexual exploitation or attempts to introduce them to illicit substances, urging authorities to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable.
Reflecting on DEPOWA's achievements, Mrs. Musa noted the association’s significant progress in impacting the lives of women and youth, particularly the vulnerable, through initiatives in healthcare, fitness, education, agriculture, and skills training.
The President emphasized her vision of empowering women and girls to become productive members of society driven by deep values and a hardworking spirit.
Mrs. Musa expressed her special gratitude to the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her continuous guidance, and to her husband, General Christopher Musa, for his encouragement. She also thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, Principal Staff Officers, and senior officers for their support to DEPOWA’s various initiatives.
During the seminar, Dr. Chika Anozie addressed the dangers of drug abuse, urging youth to take responsibility for their health. Dr. Olajumoke Ganiyat discussed the pervasive issue of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, stressing its severe impacts and the need for a multifaceted approach involving education, empowerment, engagement, and enforcement.
