The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has flagged off the maiden Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programme for spouses of junior police officers, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in the welfare and stability of police families.
The programme, organised by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) in partnership with the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), was launched on Monday at the M.D. Abubakar Police Barracks, Dei-Dei, Abuja, under the theme, “Empowering Families, Strengthening Communities: Advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda Through Skills Acquisition and Economic Empowerment.”
The event was hosted by the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator (Dr.) Ibrahim Gaidam, and attended by the Executive Secretary of the NPTF, Mr. Mohammed Sheidu; the National President of POWA, Chief Mrs. Olufunmilola Disu; and beneficiary spouses of junior police officers from across the country.
Speaking at the event, IGP Disu said the programme underscored the importance of supporting police families, stressing that the welfare of officers cannot be separated from that of their households.
He commended the wives of junior police officers for their unwavering support, which he said has contributed significantly to the effectiveness and morale of the Force. The Inspector-General urged beneficiaries to use the vocational skills and empowerment resources provided as a springboard for long-term financial independence rather than temporary relief.
In his keynote address, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mr. Mohammed Sheidu, said the initiative reflected the Fund’s commitment to improving the economic wellbeing of police families alongside its investments in training, equipment and infrastructure.
According to him, the vocational training and start-up packs distributed to participants were designed to create sustainable sources of livelihood for beneficiaries and their families. He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said inspired the initiative.
Also speaking, the National President of POWA, Chief Mrs. Olufunmilola Disu, described the programme as a strategic investment in the morale and professionalism of the Nigeria Police Force rather than an act of charity.
She noted that national security begins with stable families and pledged that POWA would continue collaborating with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund to sustain the empowerment programme. She also called on government agencies and corporate organisations to support similar initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of police families.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the welfare of its personnel and their families through sustained partnerships with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, POWA and other stakeholders to build stronger police families and improve operational effectiveness nationwide.
