The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare, empowerment and well-being of women, particularly wives of police officers, describing them as the unseen pillars behind the nation’s security system.
Represented by the wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, Mrs. Lilian Oghogho Musa, the First Lady stated this on Thursday while declaring open the 2026 Annual General Convention of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja.
The convention, themed “The Resilient Woman: Navigating Life’s Challenges with Strength, Purpose and Grace,” brought together wives of serving and retired police officers, government officials, police leadership and other stakeholders to discuss family welfare, women’s empowerment, healthcare, mental wellness and economic development.
Senator Tinubu commended the National President of POWA, Chief Mrs. Mutiat Olufunmilola Disu, for promoting unity, mutual support and capacity building among police officers’ wives. She noted that the convention’s theme reflects the realities faced by many women whose husbands spend long periods away from home due to the demands of policing.
She praised the sacrifices of police officers’ wives, saying their patience, encouragement and support provide the stability officers need to serve the nation effectively. She, however, stressed that women must also prioritise their health and mental well-being.
The First Lady urged participants to use the convention to strengthen networks, acquire new skills and embrace education, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, noting that empowering women strengthens families, communities and the nation.
In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, described POWA as a formidable platform for humanitarian service, family support and community development, beyond its traditional role as an association of police spouses.
He congratulated the National President on her assumption of office and expressed confidence that the association would continue to build on its legacy through innovation and commitment.
The IGP commended POWA’s interventions in supporting widows, children of fallen officers and vulnerable police families, describing its efforts as a vital complement to the Nigeria Police Force’s welfare programmes.
Acknowledging the challenges of policing, Disu paid tribute to police officers’ wives for their understanding, resilience and sacrifices, noting that behind every dedicated officer is a family that provides strength and stability.
He assured members that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to prioritise the welfare of officers and their families through programmes focused on healthcare, education, skills acquisition, women empowerment and social development.
Earlier, the National President of POWA, Chief Mrs. Mutiat Olufunmilola Disu, described the convention as a celebration of women whose sacrifices often go unnoticed despite their critical role in supporting police families.
She said the gathering was designed to reassure police officers’ wives that their contributions are recognised while investing in their health, emotional well-being, economic empowerment and personal development.
Highlighting achievements since assuming office, Disu disclosed that POWA had provided free healthcare services, including medical consultations, eye screening and corrective eyeglasses, to over 1,000 police families in Abuja.
She also said the association expanded its welfare programmes in Lagos through the POWA CARES Initiative, offering healthcare services, scholarships, economic empowerment and direct support to police families.
According to her, recent visits to police barracks markets in Abuja exposed the harsh economic realities facing many police families, reinforcing the need for practical interventions focused on healthcare, education, mental wellness, economic empowerment and support for widows and children of deceased officers.
She thanked the Inspector-General of Police for his continued support and appreciated the First Lady for her commitment to women and vulnerable Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Chief Disu urged participants to leave the convention stronger and more empowered, expressing confidence that stronger police families would contribute to a stronger Nigeria Police Force and a safer nation.
The three-day convention will feature health and wellness sessions, leadership development, economic empowerment programmes, networking activities and policy discussions aimed at improving the welfare of police families nationwide.