POWA Expands Economic Empowerment Drive for Spouses of Junior Police Officers

The Police Officers' Wives Association (POWA) has strengthened its commitment to the economic empowerment of police families with the launch of a skills acquisition and empowerment programme for spouses of junior police officers in partnership with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF).

The initiative, held at the MD Abubakar Police Barracks, Dei-Dei, Abuja, is designed to equip beneficiaries with vocational skills, entrepreneurship training and business start-up support to improve household incomes and promote financial independence.

The programme, themed *"Empowering Families, Strengthening Communities: Advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda Through Skills Acquisition and Economic Empowerment,"* was flagged off by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, alongside the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator (Dr.) Ibrahim Gaidam, CON, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mr. Mohammed Sheidu, and the National President of POWA, Chief Mrs. Olufunmilola Mutiat Disu.

Speaking at the event, the National President of POWA, Chief Mrs. Olufunmilola Mutiat Disu, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of police families rather than an act of charity.

She said empowering spouses with practical skills and sustainable sources of income would strengthen family stability, improve officers' morale and ultimately enhance the effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to her, national security begins with stable homes, making economic empowerment an essential component of police welfare.

Mrs. Disu reaffirmed POWA's commitment to working with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund and other stakeholders to expand opportunities that improve the livelihoods of police families across the country.

In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the initiative, noting that the welfare of police officers cannot be separated from the well-being of their families. He encouraged beneficiaries to utilise the training and empowerment packages as a foundation for building sustainable businesses and achieving long-term financial independence.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mr. Mohammed Sheidu, said the programme reflects the Fund's commitment to complementing investments in police infrastructure and training with initiatives that strengthen the economic resilience of police households.

Beneficiaries drawn from commands and formations across the country received vocational training and business support aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods and reducing economic vulnerability among police families.

The initiative marks another milestone in POWA's expanding welfare and empowerment programmes, reinforcing the association's resolve to build stronger families, enhance economic resilience and improve the overall well-being of members of the police community.