‎.trains 100 POWAs in KOGI

‎By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja

‎‎The Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) has trained and equipped 100 wives of police officers in Kogi State with tailoring and hairstyling starter packs as part of efforts to strengthen the economic wellbeing of police families and boost officers’ morale.

‎‎The empowerment programme, which culminated in a closing ceremony at the 37 Squadron, Police Mobile Force (MOPOL) Barracks, Lokoja, was aimed at equipping the beneficiaries with vocational skills and tools to establish sustainable sources of income.

‎‎Speaking at the ceremony, Executive Secretary of the NPTF, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, said the initiative was designed to support police officers by strengthening the families behind them.

‎‎Sheidu who was represented by Salihu Aliyu said police wives play a critical role in supporting their husbands, who are often exposed to demanding and hazardous conditions in the course of protecting lives and property.

‎‎He said: “By providing these starter packs, the Fund is creating opportunities for beneficiaries to become economically empowered, develop sustainable sources of income and contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of their families.

‎‎“These starter packs represent opportunity, empowerment, hope and a pathway towards self-reliance.”

‎‎He urged the beneficiaries to regard the equipment as an investment in their future and use the skills acquired during the training to establish viable businesses.

‎‎Also speaking, Commissioner of Police for Kogi State CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, represented by DCP Baba Mallam, said supporting police wives was crucial to improving the welfare and effectiveness of police personnel.

‎‎Kankarofi said the initiative would promote self-reliance among members of the police family while improving their livelihoods.

‎‎He said: “The welfare of the police extends beyond our officers to the families who support them and make their service possible. Our officers make enormous sacrifices in the service of our nation.

‎‎“An empowered family is a stronger family. Such families contribute significantly to the morale, stability and effectiveness of officers.”

‎‎The CP commended the Inspector -General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, for his commitment to the welfare of police personnel and their families, while appreciating the NPTF for sponsoring the programme.

‎‎He urged the beneficiaries to put the skills and equipment to productive use and turn them into sustainable sources of livelihood.

‎‎Similarly, the Chairperson of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Kogi State Chapter, Mrs Asmau Kankarofi, described the starter packs as “seeds of economic independence” for the beneficiaries.

‎‎She said police wives remained important sources of encouragement, strength and support to their husbands and families, particularly given the sacrifices associated with the policing profession.

‎‎“We understand the sacrifices that come with the policing profession. As wives, we remain a vital source of encouragement, strength and support to our husbands and families,” she said.

‎‎She urged the beneficiaries to utilize the equipment judiciously to build sustainable businesses, adding that mutual support among them would enhance their chances of success.

‎‎The beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the NPTF for the initiative and pledged to make productive use of the equipment provided to improve the welfare of their families.