By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has promised to support the humanitarian activities of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA in the areas of agriculture and provision of health services.
Permanent Secretary FCTA, Mr. Olusade Adesola gave the assurances in Abuja when he received a delegation from the Association, led by its president, wife of the Inspector General of Police, Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun, on a courtesy visit to the FCTA.
He said the humanitarian activities of the association in the areas of agriculture productions and healthcare provision were in line with the mandate of the FCT Administration.
The Permanent Secretary who also noted that the POWA brand was very popular with presence in all the States of the Federation and the FCT, commended the successive wives of the Inspectors General of Police for sustaining the activities of the association, and also elevating it to its present status.
He equally commended members of the association for providing support to the officers and men of the police force in the line of duty, saying it was reassuring to know that somebody cares for the police officers who stake their lives daily to protect the people.
“The POWA is a brand that is so popular because your membership is very large and you are present in all states and your footprints are in all the States. Many of us have benefited from your activities. For instance, my children started school in a POWA school. So, in a way, I benefited from it.”
“We appreciate POWA for all that you have been doing, particularly for successive wives of IGPs, sustaining the activities and operations of the association and growing it. It’s our prayer that during your tenure, POWA too will grow from leaps to leaps and you will be able to accomplish what you have desired for the womenfolk.”
“The national duty of the Nigerian Police Force for which you share in the women association is a very challenging one. They stand to face insecurity and they stake their lives to protect us on a daily basis, they die on the call of duty, children are orphaned, wives are widowed.
“But in the face of all these, it is therefore salutary to know that there is somebody that care for them and this is what POWA does.”
In her remarks, wife of the Inspector General of Police, Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun, said the Association was desirous of acquiring land to build an ultra-modern police officers wives’ association hospital and for agricultural purposes to enhance food production and eradicate hunger.
The IG’s wife also requested the FCT Administration to assist in channeling the support of donor agencies towards constructing and equipping an ultra-modern hospital for wives of police officers.
