POWA President Takes Welfare Outreach to Abuja Barracks, Supports Women Traders After Unannounced Market Visits

The National President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Chief Mrs. Olufunmilola Disu, has reaffirmed her commitment to improving the welfare and economic well-being of police families following a two-day outreach to police barracks in the Federal Capital Territory.

The outreach, which forms part of activities leading to the 2026 POWA National Convention scheduled for 16–18 July, saw Disu pay unannounced visits to the markets at Area C Police Barracks, Nyanya, and 44 PMF Barracks, Kuje, alongside members of the POWA management team.

Rather than announcing her arrival, the POWA President walked through the markets, interacting directly with women traders, widows and spouses of serving police officers. She observed that many of the shops were sparsely stocked and took time to listen as the women shared the financial challenges limiting their businesses.

Moved by their stories, Disu immediately provided cash support, business grants, food items and starter packs to selected beneficiaries to help restock their shops, strengthen their livelihoods and improve their economic resilience.

She explained that the visit was deliberately unscheduled to enable her to gain a firsthand understanding of the realities facing police families.

“I wanted to meet our women in their everyday environment, listen to them, and see their challenges for myself. It is only when we understand their realities that we can provide support that truly meets their needs,” she said.

Disu noted that the intervention forms part of the POWA CARES Initiative, which promotes sustainable healthcare, welfare and economic empowerment for police families, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

She added that the outreach reflects the broader vision of the upcoming POWA National Convention, themed “The Resilient Woman: Navigating Life’s Challenges with Strength, Purpose and Grace,” which will focus on healthcare and mental wellness, economic empowerment, and strengthening support systems for police families across the country.

The intervention brought renewed hope to many beneficiaries. Abigail John said she was surprised when the POWA President stopped at her shop, listened to her challenges and immediately offered support.

“She came to my shop, saw the challenges I was facing and decided to support my business. I am truly grateful for her kindness,” she said.

Rebecca Atahiru, a widow who has raised her children alone since losing her husband in active service 15 years ago, described the intervention as a source of encouragement and hope, while Grace Ameh, an egg trader and wife of a police inspector, commended the initiative and urged other police officers’ wives to actively participate in POWA programmes.

The two-day outreach further underscores POWA’s commitment to supporting widows of fallen officers and families of serving personnel through practical interventions that promote dignity, self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.