By Oluwakemi Kindness
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has called for stronger health and mental wellness support for wives of police officers, describing their resilience and sacrifices as essential to the effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force.
Represented by the wife of the Minister of Defence, Lilian Oghogho-Musa, at the opening of the three-day 2026 Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) National Convention in Abuja, the First Lady said police wives often bear the burden of managing their homes while their husbands serve under difficult and dangerous conditions.
She said their emotional wellbeing should be prioritised, noting that stronger support systems for police families would ultimately enhance the performance of officers and strengthen national security.
Speaking on the convention’s theme, “The Resilient Woman: Navigating Life’s Challenges with Strength, Purpose and Grace,” the First Lady urged participants to use the gathering to build lasting networks, acquire new skills and encourage one another through shared experiences.
She stressed that empowering women has a direct impact on the stability of families and the development of communities, adding that resilient women remain the foundation of resilient societies.
National President of POWA, Mutiat Olufunmilola-Disu, unveiled an expanded welfare programme aimed at improving the quality of life for police families. She said the association would prioritise healthcare, mental wellness, education, economic empowerment, and support for widows and children of deceased police officers.
According to her, POWA will continue to develop practical programmes that address the everyday challenges faced by police families while promoting self-reliance and social inclusion.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to improving the welfare of officers and their families through increased investment in education, healthcare, skills acquisition, women’s empowerment and social development.
The police chief commended POWA for its humanitarian interventions, particularly its support for widows, children of fallen officers and other vulnerable families, describing the association as a vital partner in advancing the Force’s welfare agenda.
He urged members to continue promoting integrity, compassion and unity, noting that stronger police families are essential to building a more motivated police force and safer communities across the country.
