Military families’ welfare critical to personnel morale, says Oluyede’s wife

Mrs Mernan Oluyede, the President of the Defence and Police Officers' Wives Association, has stressed the importance of military families' welfare for personnel morale and effectiveness. She emphasized that the security and well-being of military families are crucial, as children of military personnel require safe, supportive, and nurturing homes.

Oluyede explained that the unique pressures of military service, such as deployments, long absences, frequent relocations, and uncertainties, significantly impact officers' spouses and children. At a child welfare program organized by the National Defence College Officers' Welfare Association in Abuja, she noted that resilient military families provide personnel with the peace of mind necessary to concentrate fully on their duties.

"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 stated. Oluyede urged parents and caregivers to prioritize children's mental and emotional well-being, recognizing that children might not always express anxieties, loneliness, fear, or other pressures.

She also emphasized the need for greater awareness of online risks, including cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online exploitation, and misinformation. Oluyede commended the National Defence College Officers' Welfare Association for organizing the program, highlighting its focus on education, child protection, and the effects of social media as timely.