In a significant move towards empowering families of police officers working in the ports in Lagos, the Western Port Police Command’s chapter of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) has provided essential support to over 100 beneficiaries.
The initiative saw the distribution of vital equipment such as Sewing machines, Grinding Machines, Deep freezer, Point-Of-Sales (POS) Machines, Make-Up Kits, foodstuffs and other relief materials.
Speaking at the empowerment ceremony in Lagos on Thursday, the National President of POWA, Dr. Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun noted that the empowerment is an alignment with her vision to ensure that police officers’ wives are actively engaged and financially independent.
The National President of POWA who was represented by the wife of the Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 2, Mrs Gloria Durosimi stressed that the empowerment underscores a commitment to transforming traditional roles and fostering self-sufficiency amongst police officers’ wives.
Mrs Egbetokun emphasized the importance of the resources being used for their intended purpose adding that all the items are for Police wives’ empowerment and none of them should be sold.
“The goal of the Wife of the Inspector General is to ensure every police officer’s wife is empowered. It is no longer fashionable for police officers’ wives to be housewives. They must have something to put on the table. All these items are here for your empowerment. Please, none of it should be sold but should be used for your empowerment,” she urged.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Western Ports Command, Olanrewaju Ishola highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader movement sweeping across the nation. He emphasized that the empowerment effort is not a one-time event but a precursor to ongoing support and development opportunities.
The Police Commissioner stressed that the event’s focus is on practical support, including the distribution of equipment and foodstuffs, reflects POWA’s commitment to enhancing the lives of police officers’ families. He however expressed gratitude for the leadership of POWA, noting that it provides police officers with a sense of pride and security, knowing their families are well-supported.
“This is no longer the era where Police officers’ wives stay at the Barracks and expect their husbands to bring money home. This is just a precursor. This is heralding some other empowerment to come. When we are out there doing the work of policing the nation, you are at home in your respective places making sure the home front is secure” Ishola said.
On her part, the POWA Chairperson of the Western Port Command, Mrs Abiola Ishola informed that the POWA Western Port Command Chapter which was inaugurated in November 2023 aims to ensure that wives of police officers are no longer confined to being housewives but have the means to contribute financially to their households.
Mrs Ishola stated that this maiden edition of the empowerment program will empower 25 women with various equipment to start or enhance their businesses, while over 100 women were provided with essential foodstuffs to alleviate their immediate needs. He also thanked the National President of POWA and other management team for her support in making the initiative a reality in Western Port command.
