The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Monday joined the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) and the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) to launch the maiden Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programme for spouses of junior police officers.
The programme, themed “Empowering Families, Strengthening Communities: Advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda Through Skills Acquisition and Economic Empowerment,” was flagged off at the M.D. Abubakar Police Barracks, Dei-Dei, Abuja, at an event hosted by the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam.
The event was attended by the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mohammed Sheidu; the National President of POWA, Chief Mrs. Olufunmilola Mutiat Disu; senior government officials; and beneficiary spouses of junior police officers drawn from across the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, IGP Disu described the initiative as a strategic investment in the stability and wellbeing of police families, stressing that the welfare of officers cannot be separated from that of their households.
He commended the wives of junior police officers for their unwavering support, which he said contributes significantly to the morale and effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force. The IGP urged beneficiaries to utilise the vocational training and empowerment packages as a foundation for sustainable economic independence rather than temporary financial relief.
In his keynote address, the Executive Secretary of the NPTF, Mohammed Sheidu, said the programme underscores the Fund’s commitment to improving the socio-economic wellbeing of police families alongside its investments in training, infrastructure and operational support.
He noted that the vocational skills training and start-up packs were designed to help beneficiaries establish sustainable businesses capable of improving household incomes and community development. Sheidu also credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for inspiring the initiative and encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity.
Also speaking, the National President of POWA, Chief Mrs. Olufunmilola Mutiat Disu, described the programme as a deliberate investment in the morale and professionalism of the Force rather than an act of charity.
She emphasised that national security begins with stable families and pledged POWA’s continued collaboration with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund to sustain similar empowerment initiatives. She also called on other government agencies and corporate organisations to support programmes aimed at improving the welfare of police families.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the welfare of its personnel and their families through strategic partnerships with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, POWA and other stakeholders to build stronger police families and a more effective policing system nationwide.
