The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni, has lauded the proposed Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) College Project as a significant symbol of nation-building, reflecting the commitment of military and police families to national development.
Speaking at the groundbreaking and fundraising ceremony for the college held in Abuja, Minister Badaru described the project as a “historic milestone” and praised DEPOWA’s visionary leadership for spearheading the initiative.
“It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I join you today to celebrate this momentous occasion,” he said. “This initiative embodies the unwavering commitment of our military and police families to nation-building, and I commend DEPOWA for its visionary leadership in championing this noble cause.”
The Minister emphasized the critical role of education in national progress, stating that the DEPOWA College would serve as “a beacon of hope, excellence, and opportunity” for the children of service members. He stressed that investing in their future honors the sacrifices made by their parents and reinforces the foundation of national security.
“Education is the bedrock of societal progress. A well-educated generation nurtured in an environment of discipline and patriotism is critical to sustaining peace, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria,” he added.
Minister Badaru reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s full support for the project and called on stakeholders—government agencies, private organizations, and individuals—to contribute generously.
“The Ministry of Defence stands in solidarity with DEPOWA and pledges its full support to ensure the timely completion of this project,” he said. “This college will alleviate educational burdens while fostering academic excellence and moral integrity among students.”
In his closing remarks, the Minister commended the resilience and compassion of DEPOWA, and expressed appreciation to donors and partners. “Your generosity will resonate through generations. Together, we shall build an institution that will produce future leaders, innovators, and patriots.”
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