Following the attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy in the early hours of Tuesday 24th August 2021, by some unidentified gun men leading to loss of lives, the Defence and Police Wives Association( DEPOWA) led by its President, Mrs Vickie Anwuli Irabor on Wednesday,8th September,2021, paid a solidarity visit to the Commandant of the NDA, Major General IM Yusuf and the NDA community in Kaduna.
The Spokesman of the Academy, Bashir Mohammed Jajira who made this known ln a statement said Irabor was accompanied on the visit by the wives of the Commandant NDA, General Officer Commanding 1 Division and the Air Officer Commanding Air Tactical Command.
In her remarks, the DEPOWA President stated that the main objective of the visit was to commiserate with the Commandant and the entire NDA Community over the recent attack on the Academy and the resultant loss of lives. She prayed for the repose of the souls of the officers who died during the attack. She also sent her special condolences to the families of the late heroes, and prayed for the safe return of the abducted officer.
Speaking further, Mrs Irabor noted that the NDA occupies a special place in her heart because of the long established bond between her family and the Academy. She said “It therefore gladdens my heart to be here today in my new role as President DEPOWA”.
The DEPOWA President used the opportunity to talk about her pet project christened “Uniting Our Voices First”, which is meant to promote unity of purpose in pursuing the objectives of DEPOWA. The focus is to emplace an enabling platform for the officers’ wives play their charitable roles effectively in the midst of the challenges which their spouses face in the cause of their duties.
To this end, Mrs Irabor highlighted the desire of the DEPOWA to establish a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Centre which would be involved in the healthcare of personnel returning home from operation areas. She particularly stressed the need to address the issues of PTSD resulting from the various combat operations taking place in the country. She therefore solicited the support of the Commandant in ensuring that the goal is achieved.
Responding, the Commandant thanked the President and members of DEPOWA for the visit and their relentless support to their husbands despite the challenges of insecurity in the country. He assured DEPOWA of his support towards the attainment of its objectives and aspirations. Finally, he assured the DEPOWA members that no stone will left unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are held accountable.
