POWA Cares Initiative Launches in Lagos, Targets 1,000 Women with Healthcare, Grants, Eyes Nationwide Expansion
The Wife of the Inspector-General of Police and National President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Mutiat Olufunmilola Disu, has launched the POWA Cares Initiative in Lagos, a two-day intervention programme targeting 1,000 women with free medical services, financial support, and empowerment opportunities, while outlining plans for nationwide rollout across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The initiative, organised in partnership with the Lagos State Government, is designed to improve the health and wellbeing of police families and host communities. Mrs. Disu explained that the programme was driven by the need to address poor health awareness and late diagnosis of illnesses, particularly among women.
She stressed that many women often neglect their health due to demanding schedules, underscoring the importance of regular check-ups, early detection, and informed lifestyle choices. Drawing from her medical background, she noted that increased awareness of personal health indicators—such as blood sugar levels and diet—remains critical to preventing avoidable complications.
As part of its sustainability plan, POWA announced scholarships for 15 nursing students to boost manpower in the health sector, especially amid growing migration of healthcare professionals.
Participants at the Lagos event benefited from a wide range of medical services, including dental care, eye screening, blood tests, blood pressure checks, reproductive health screening, and glucose testing. The programme also featured sensitisation sessions for young adults, focusing on social vices and community development.
In the empowerment segment, 200 women received ₦50,000 each through a raffle draw, while another 200 beneficiaries were issued Cowry cards preloaded with ₦10,000 to support transportation via train services and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). Selected families were also rewarded with exclusive dinner engagements—five with the Lagos State Governor and another five with the Inspector-General of Police.
Speaking further, Mrs. Disu revealed that the POWA Cares Initiative is structured as a national programme that will be replicated across all six geopolitical zones of the federation, with ongoing collaboration from state governments to deepen its impact.
Discussions at the event also highlighted the need to extend the initiative to states such as Ogun State, with stakeholders advocating replication to broaden access to health awareness and services. Acting Chairperson for the Ogun State chapter, Adeola, commended the initiative and stressed the urgency of sustained health education for women.
Logistics and accessibility were also identified as critical to the programme’s success, with organisers emphasising the role of efficient transportation systems—including eco-friendly options—in ensuring wider participation.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Fatai Tijani, described the initiative as unprecedented, noting that the wellbeing of police families directly influences officers’ performance.
Also speaking, Mrs. Olusola Ositade, Deputy Director of Nursing at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, urged women to prioritise their health through regular screening, openness, and proactive self-care.
Mrs. Disu expressed optimism that with sustained partnerships and stakeholder support, the POWA Cares Initiative will significantly improve health outcomes for women and families across Nigeria.
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