By Evelyn Usman

The Police Officers’ Wives Association has launched its POWA CARES Initiative, a humanitarian programme offering free medical interventions, including eye screening, treatment, corrective glasses for 1,000 policemen wives, and scholarships for 15 children of police officers to study Nursing, alongside other welfare packages aimed at improving healthcare awareness, economic empowerment, and social support for police families across Nigeria.

President of POWA, Mrs Olufunmilola Disu, declared the second phase of the initiative open in Lagos yesterday, describing it as a major intervention designed to ease the burden on police families through health care, education and empowerment.

She explained that the initiative was driven by compassion and personal concern over the welfare of police officers’ families, especially housewives and children who often suffer silently due to lack of information and access to basic healthcare.

According to her: “The goal behind it is born out of compassion for our housewives who are police officers and the families who sometimes die because of lack of knowledge and information. So I said, coming from a medical background, I don’t think we should just sit back; we should come out to educate our people, inform them, help them detect diseases early and treat where necessary.”

She added: “Aside from that, we are hoping to give scholarships to nursing students to encourage nurses because of the shortage we have in the country now due to the ‘japa syndrome’ that is already in progress.”

Disu further explained that the programme also targets young adults through sensitisation on social vices, while women beneficiaries would receive transport support and financial empowerment grants. She noted that 200 women would receive ₦10,000 Cowry transport cards, while another 200 would benefit from ₦50,000 business support grants.

She also revealed plans to reward selected families with special recognition opportunities, including dinner engagements with top government officials and security leadership. “Five families will have dinner with the Governor, and another five families will dine with the Inspector General of Police,” she said.
Commending stakeholders for their support, Disu appreciated Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, describing their backing as instrumental to the success of the programme.

She added that the initiative would be expanded nationwide, urging other state governors to support the programme. “We are ready to go to all state police commands if we have support,” she said, expressing optimism that the intervention would transform the welfare of police families across Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu , commended POWA for expanding its CARES Initiative to Lagos, describing it as a strong demonstration of compassion, leadership, and commitment to the welfare of police families.

The IGP, who was represented by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, praised the convener for choosing Lagos as a priority destination for the intervention.

He noted that although the programme could have been taken to any of the 36 states, the decision to bring it to Lagos reflected a deliberate commitment to the welfare of police families in the state. “I want to particularly thank the POWA President, Mrs Olufunmilola Disu, who has taken it up to bring this second phase of this event to Lagos State,” he said.

Describing the initiative as more than a ceremonial gathering, the IGP said it represented a broader vision for police welfare and institutional strength.

 “Today marks more than a ceremony. It is a celebration of compassion, service and purposeful leadership. The strength of the police organisation lies in the well-being of its personnel and their families. When officers know their loved ones are cared for, they serve with greater commitment, focus and dignity,” he added.

The IGP also commended the programme’s focus on education, empowerment and social support, describing it as a sustainable investment in the future of police families, while appreciating Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu for their continued support.

He further urged sustained collaboration, saying: “Let us remain united in our shared resolve to build a police institution that not only protects life and property, but also cares deeply for those who serve in uniform.”