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By Christopher Oji
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu have hailed members of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) for their role on national unity and helping in the war against crime and criminality.
They equally charged POWA to embrace transformational leadership as a vital tool for strengthening police families and contributing to national development.
The IGP, who spoke at the 3-day POWA sensitization which kicked off with a seminar held yesterday, at Eko Hotel and Suit, described POWA as a strategic pillar of support to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The seminar, themed “Unlocking POWA Potential and Transformational Leadership,” brought together key stakeholders and wives of police personnel across formations in Lagos and Ogun states.
According to the IGP, the contributions of POWA go beyond domestic roles, noting that their involvement touches on family stability, youth mentorship, community engagement, and economic empowerment.
The IGP,who was represented by Assistant Inspector -General of Police (AIG), in charge of Zone 2 Police Command , Onikan, Lagos , said,
“This gathering affirms that the role of police wives is not merely ceremonial, but strategic. Today, we are not just here to listen; we are here to reimagine and ignite a fresh wave of leadership.
“ The emphasis has shifted from mere survival to transformation, dignity, and leadership, underscoring POWA’s strategic and symbolic relevance in the policing ecosystem.
“ The seminar’s focus is on transpersonal leadership emphasized vision, impact, and legacy, inspiring meaningful change by encouraging individuals to rise above self-interest for collective progress.”
Egbetokun concluded with a powerful call to action within every POWA member lies an untapped force for national transformation,”You are more than companions to gallant officers. You are architects of hope, bridges of resilience, and vessels of generational impact.” He urged the gathering to view the convention not merely as a moment but as “a movement, a bold awakening of purpose to start innovation, strengthen our bonds, and renew our collective commitment to shaping communities of peace, prosperity, and pride.”
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Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, lauded POWA for its long-standing contributions to the socio-economic welfare of police families and its impact on national security and unity.
The governor, described the association as,” a pillar of empowerment that has transformed lives within and beyond police barracks.”
In his goodwill message, Sanwo-Olu praised the association for bringing the event to Lagos for the first time, adding that the state remains “the right place to be at this time in the history of Nigeria and Africa.
“This is Lagos, the centre of excellence, the joy of Nigeria and Africa’s pride.
“POWA is not just a gathering of women. You are beautiful, elegant, and powerful. Without you, there is no man, no policeman, no CP, no IGP. You are the backbone of our national security.
“Let this spirit of unity and purpose continue to inspire creative solutions and strategic partnerships, not just within POWA, but across government and civil society,” he added.
On her part, the National President of POWA , Elizabeth Egbetokun, charged members of the association to unlock their full potential and embrace transformational leadership as a catalyst for growth and community development.
She described the convention as a crucial platform for continuous personal and collective development, while also serving as a unifying forum for women within the police family. She further disclosed that over 3,000 women, widows, orphans and physically challenged persons have benefitted from empowerment programmes held in various states since her assumption of office.
According to her, beneficiaries received items, including sewing machines, grinding machines, ovens, wheelchairs, starter packs, and relief materials for flood victims , all in line with her three-point agenda: Education for Development, Quality Healthcare Delivery, and Better Life for All.
“We all have special qualities embedded in us, but the challenge lies in harnessing them.
“Unlocking one’s potential is a journey that requires continuous self-improvement, growth and transformation.”
