Efficient Police Performance: IGP Describes POWA Members as Unseen Backbone of Officers’ Effectiveness in Policing the Nation
By Raheem Ibrahim
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has described members of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) as the unseen backbone and critical pillars supporting officers and men of the Force in the effective policing of the nation.
He made this known during a courtesy visit to his office at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday by the executive members of POWA, led by its President, Mrs. Olufunmilola Disu.
While appreciating the wives of officers, IGP Disu described the visit of the delegation as “a powerful show of solidarity” and “family visiting family,” noting that it was more than a mere official engagement.
He acknowledged the immense sacrifices made by police families, particularly the uncertainty that defines the profession.
According to him, “Every day, we tell you, ‘I’ll see you tonight,’ but deep down, we know it is not guaranteed. We step out each day unsure of what lies ahead, yet we go because duty calls. The role you play is both demanding and indispensable.”
“What you do is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. You hold things together while we are away, and your sacrifices are not taken for granted,” he added.
He commended their role in raising children and maintaining stability on the home front despite the demands of policing, noting that the success of many police children is a testament to their dedication.
Reaffirming the importance of family support in policing, he remarked that the contributions of officers’ wives make the demanding nature of police work more bearable, adding, “Our job is a difficult one, but you make it easier. You make our homes worth coming back to.”
Earlier, Mrs. Disu reaffirmed POWA’s commitment to supporting the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police through welfare and empowerment initiatives aimed at strengthening police families and enhancing national security.
While describing the visit as both symbolic and strategic, Mrs. Disu noted that POWA’s engagement goes beyond protocol, positioning the association as a key partner in reinforcing the human foundation of the Nigeria Police Force.
The POWA President, who emphasized that the role played by officers’ wives is both demanding and indispensable, said, “We come not merely in protocol, but in partnership.”
She commended the IGP’s leadership for providing clear direction anchored in reform, accountability, and institutional strengthening, adding that POWA fully aligns with this vision.
According to her, the association remains committed to initiatives that uplift morale, promote family stability, and reinforce the values of service, dignity, and discipline within and beyond the barracks.
Highlighting recent interventions, Mrs. Disu revealed that POWA’s free eye care initiative has provided critical vision support services to over 1,000 police families, significantly improving their quality of life and productivity. She added that plans are underway to expand the programme nationwide.
She further outlined POWA’s strategic priorities, focusing on mental and emotional health support, economic empowerment, education and youth development, national unity, and the strengthening of welfare systems.
“When families are strengthened, institutions are steadied; and when institutions are steady, nations are secure,” she maintained.
