The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the need to empower women and strengthen the welfare of police families as the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) commenced its 2026 National Convention in Abuja.
Represented by Mrs. Lilian Oghogho Musa at the opening ceremony held on Thursday at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja, the First Lady commended the National President of POWA, Mrs. Olufunmilola Disu, for convening a forum that promotes unity, resilience and mutual support among wives of police officers.
Speaking on the convention’s theme, “The Resilient Woman: Navigating Life’s Challenges with Strength, Purpose and Grace,” Senator Tinubu described it as a true reflection of the realities faced daily by Nigerian women, especially wives of police officers who shoulder enormous family responsibilities while supporting their husbands in the service of the nation.
She acknowledged the sacrifices and unwavering support of police officers’ wives, noting that their dedication provides the stability needed for officers to perform their duties effectively.
“As women, I urge you to continue to learn, develop new skills, support each other, and create opportunities that improve the lives of your families and communities. When a woman is empowered, the benefits reach far beyond her home,” she said.
The First Lady also stressed the importance of prioritising the health and mental well-being of women and encouraged participants to use the convention to build lasting relationships, share experiences and return home with renewed purpose.
She congratulated the POWA leadership on the successful organisation of the convention before formally declaring the 2026 POWA Annual General Convention open.
In his opening remarks, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, described POWA as an indispensable pillar of support for the Nigeria Police Force, applauding its contributions to the welfare of police families and vulnerable members of the police community.
He congratulated Mrs. Olufunmilola Disu on her emergence as National President, expressing confidence that her leadership would build on the association’s rich legacy of service while introducing new initiatives to improve the welfare of police families across the country.
The IGP noted that POWA has evolved beyond an association of spouses into a formidable platform for humanitarian service, family support and community engagement, with interventions benefiting widows, children of fallen officers and other vulnerable members of the police community.
Recognising the demanding nature of policing, IGP Disu expressed appreciation to police officers’ wives for the sacrifices they make in supporting their husbands.
“Behind every dedicated officer is a family that provides strength, encouragement and stability. I therefore wish to sincerely appreciate every member of POWA for the immeasurable support, understanding and sacrifices you make daily in enabling your husbands to discharge their constitutional responsibilities with dedication and professionalism,” he said.
He further urged members to continue serving as ambassadors of the Nigeria Police Force by upholding the values of integrity, discipline, humility and compassion.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains firmly committed to improving the welfare of its personnel and their families. We shall continue to support initiatives that promote family welfare, education, healthcare, skills acquisition, women’s empowerment and social development, working closely with POWA in pursuit of these objectives,” the IGP assured.
Welcoming delegates to the convention, the National President of POWA, Mrs. Olufunmilola Disu, described the gathering as a celebration of the resilience and often overlooked sacrifices of police officers’ wives.
She said the convention was dedicated to women whose silent support enables police officers to carry out their responsibilities despite the challenges and uncertainties associated with policing.
“Today is more than the opening of another convention. It is the gathering of women whose stories are rarely told, whose sacrifices are often unseen, yet whose strength quietly keeps the Nigeria Police Force standing,” she said.
Mrs. Disu explained that the convention was carefully designed to invest in the health, emotional well-being, economic empowerment and personal development of members because “a stronger woman builds a stronger family.”
Highlighting achievements recorded since assuming office, she said POWA had reached over one thousand police families in Abuja through healthcare interventions, including free medical consultations, eye screening and the provision of corrective eyeglasses, while the POWA CARES Initiative in Lagos combined healthcare with economic empowerment, scholarships and direct support for families.
She also recalled recent unannounced visits to police barracks in Abuja, where interactions with traders, widows and other families reinforced the need for practical interventions driven by the real needs of police families.
“Sometimes, the greatest act of leadership is not speaking. It is listening. Behind every challenge was someone simply waiting to be seen,” she stated.
Reaffirming the association’s commitment to healthcare, education, mental wellness, economic empowerment and support for widows and children, the POWA President described the initiatives as promises to ensure that no police family feels forgotten.
She expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police for his unwavering support and commended the First Lady for her continued commitment to women, families and vulnerable communities through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Charging participants to make the most of the convention, Chief Mrs. Disu urged every member to embrace personal growth and renewed hope.
“Leave stronger than you came. Leave knowing that your story matters, your sacrifices are recognised, and your future is filled with hope. Because when a police officer’s wife rises, a family rises; when families rise, our Police Force grows stronger; and when the Police Force is stronger, Nigeria is safer,” she said.
