Mernan Oluyede says resilient military homes boost personnel morale, while urging parents to protect children from online risks.
The President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Mernan Oluyede, has called for greater attention to the welfare, security and emotional wellbeing of military families, saying resilient homes are essential to the morale and effectiveness of personnel.
Oluyede spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at a child welfare programme organised by the National Defence College Officers’ Welfare Association.
She said military families face unique pressures arising from deployments, prolonged separation, frequent relocation and the uncertainties associated with military service.
According to her, ensuring that children of military personnel grow up in safe, supportive and nurturing environments gives serving officers the peace of mind needed to perform their duties effectively.
“When our children are secure, properly educated and emotionally supported, our homes become more resilient. When our homes are resilient, our personnel are better positioned to discharge their responsibilities with confidence and peace of mind,” she said.
Oluyede also urged parents and caregivers to pay closer attention to children’s mental and emotional wellbeing, noting that young people may struggle to openly express anxiety, loneliness, fear and other challenges.
She further warned parents about online threats facing children, including cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online exploitation and misinformation.
The DEPOWA president stressed that protecting children in the digital age requires active parental engagement, regular communication and safe environments where children can freely discuss their experiences.
She commended the National Defence College Officers’ Welfare Association for organising the programme, describing its focus on child education, protection and the opportunities and risks associated with social media as timely.
Earlier, the association’s Coordinator, Mrs Hauwa Ahmed, said the organisation remained committed to promoting the welfare of women, children and other vulnerable groups through seminars, medical interventions and community outreach.
Ahmed said the programme was designed to improve understanding of child wellbeing, education, protection and responsible use of social media.
She stressed that child welfare was a collective responsibility involving parents, schools, communities, government institutions, religious organisations and other stakeholders.
Ahmed urged participants to apply the lessons from the programme in their homes and communities, particularly by guiding children towards safe and responsible use of digital platforms.