The Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) on Thursday held the second segment of its national convention at Onikan Stadium, Lagos, where it empowered over three hundred vulnerable women and widows from across the 36 states of the federation. This significant event focused on a robust empowerment program for widows of fallen officers and wives of junior police personnel, underscoring POWA’s commitment to fostering self-sufficiency within the police community.
POWA President, Dr. (Mrs) Elizabeth Egbetokun, disclosed that the association regularly conducts such empowerment initiatives, often up to three or four times a year, aligning with various activities like Children’s Day, Women’s Day, and other celebrations across Nigeria.
Egbetokun explained that the primary beneficiaries are widows of police officers who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty, as well as the wives of junior-ranking officers whose husbands may not earn substantial salaries. “We try to help them so that the women can have something,” she stated, emphasizing the goal to provide them with resources to start businesses or essential food items for sustenance. The empowerment includes business startup kits with a robust monitoring system in place. Dr. Egbetokun noted that chairpersons from each state, typically the wives of the respective Commissioners of Police, follow up with beneficiaries to ensure the proper utilization of the distributed items.
Highlighting POWA’s extensive reach, Dr. Egbetokun presented a compelling scorecard of initiatives. “We have visited **over 16 states of the federation**, to mention but a few, Anambra, Delta, Bauchi, Abia, Ogun, Lagos, Cameroon,” she stated, showcasing a broad impact.
“During these visits, POWA has distributed a wide range of skill acquisition items, including grinding machines, sewing machines, bubble hairdressing equipment, cooking gas, and wheelchairs, alongside essential food items”