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By Christopher Oji
The President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Olufunmilola Disu, has commenced the Lagos phase of the POWA CARES Initiative, announcing healthcare, financial and educational support for over 1,000 police families as part of efforts to strengthen welfare within the Nigeria Police Force.
POWA yesterday launched the Lagos phase of its nationwide welfare drive, the POWA CARES Initiative, with a strong focus on medical outreach, economic empowerment and youth development for police families.
At the launch, held at the POWA Multipurpose Hall in GRA, Ikeja, Mrs Disu described the intervention as a practical response to the often-overlooked needs of families behind officers in uniform.
She noted that the initiative is built on a simple but critical idea: when the home front is stable and supported, police officers are better positioned to serve the nation effectively.
“This programme goes beyond an event. It is a structured effort to improve lives and create sustainable support systems for police families,” she said.
The Lagos outing follows an earlier phase in Abuja and expands the scope of intervention, with over 1,000 beneficiaries receiving medical attention under what organisers termed “medical empowerment.” Services provided include eye screening and treatment, dental care, general medical consultations and the distribution of prescription eyeglasses.
In addition to healthcare, the programme also delivered financial relief, with 200 families receiving grants, while others benefited from transport support through Cowry cards. Educational opportunities were also extended through nursing scholarships for eligible participants.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, said the programme highlights the Force’s renewed commitment to the welfare of its personnel.
He emphasised that the well-being of officers’ families directly influences performance and morale within the Force.
The IGP, who was represented by Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, said: “When officers are confident that their families are cared for, they serve with greater dedication and focus,” adding that the initiative represents a blend of compassion and purposeful leadership.
Attendees at the event confirmed the tangible impact of the initiative. One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Yemisi Abifarin, described the programme as unprecedented in Lagos.
“This is the first time we are experiencing something like this in Lagos,” she said. “I received eyeglasses after my test and was also given a ₦50,000 cash gift. This will go a long way for my family and me.”
Another beneficiary, Regina Gbeke, said attending the event was life-changing:
“I didn’t want to come today, but my friend Franca convinced me. Maybe I would not have survived the night. I had not checked my blood sugar level or blood pressure for a long time, but today I had free medical examinations. My blood pressure was very high, and I had a severe headache. They gave me medication, which helped.
“I was shocked when my blood sugar level read 340. The nurse said it was an emergency, so I will be going to the hospital after collecting my reading glasses. May God bless Madam Disu and the entire POWA leadership. This is the best I have witnessed in POWA.”
Beyond direct support, the initiative also featured sensitisation sessions for young people on issues such as drug abuse, cultism and reproductive health, reflecting a broader strategy to secure the future of police families.
The POWA leadership and police authorities also acknowledged the support of the Lagos State Government, particularly Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, as well as other partners who contributed to the programme’s success.
Organisers said the POWA CARES Initiative is designed as a long-term, scalable model to be replicated across other states, with the goal of strengthening welfare for police families nationwide.
The Lagos phase continues with a series of engagements and support services aimed at easing the economic and social pressures faced by families of police personnel.
