POWA Brings Tears of Joy, Empowers 300 Police Families at Lagos National Convention

POWA Brings Tears of Joy, Empowers 300 Police Families at Lagos National Convention

Lagos, Nigeria – August 1, 2025 | Jubilation and tears of joy filled the air as the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), led by its National President, Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Egbetokun, empowered over 300 wives of both serving and late police officers in Lagos. The emotional and impactful event formed a major highlight of the ongoing POWA National Convention—the first to be hosted in Lagos State.

The empowerment initiative saw beneficiaries receive vital items including sewing machines, deep freezers, grinding machines, gas ovens, hairdressing kits, and other income-generating tools aimed at helping widows and struggling families of police personnel become self-reliant.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Mrs. Egbetokun explained the decision to host the 2025 convention in Lagos, breaking from the tradition of holding it in Abuja. “We wanted a fresh experience and felt Lagos was the right place,” she said.

On the motivation behind the empowerment scheme, she emphasized POWA’s commitment to supporting the welfare of police families, particularly widows and orphans. “Many women lose their husbands in the line of duty and have no means of survival. We empower them so they can support their families and live with dignity,” she noted.

Encouraging beneficiaries to make productive use of the items, the POWA President said, “Our aim is to ensure that these women can become self-sufficient. I congratulate all 300 beneficiaries and urge them to use the tools wisely.”

Dr. Egbetokun also highlighted POWA’s broader outreach activities, revealing that the organization had visited 16 states to distribute similar empowerment items. Additionally, two POWA model schools were recently commissioned in Abuja and Bauchi to support the educational needs of officers’ children and their communities.

Mrs. Sidikat Oluwatoyin Jimoh, wife of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and host of this year’s convention, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the honour. “This is the first time Lagos is hosting the national convention and I am overwhelmed with joy,” she said, praising the commitment of her husband and POWA Lagos members.

She recalled one particularly emotional moment: “A 24-year-old widow rolled on the floor in gratitude after receiving her sewing machine. It was deeply moving. I thank our National President for this impactful gesture.”

Among the beneficiaries was Mrs. Oluwatoyin Charles, a young widow of the late Inspector Iluoma Charles from Ikorodu Division. Overcome with emotion, she expressed profound gratitude: “This machine is an answer to my prayers. I make bags and this will help me support my children. May God bless our mummy Egbetokun.”

Another recipient, Mrs. Victor Neji, whose husband serves with the Edo State Command, received a deep freezer. “This will help me start a small cold drinks business,” she said, thanking POWA and the Nigeria Police for the opportunity.

The event drew commendations from stakeholders across the board, with many describing it as a beacon of hope for police families across Nigeria. The initiative underscores POWA’s growing influence in empowering women and uplifting the welfare of officers’ households nationwide.