First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for greater recognition and improved welfare for wives of police officers, describing them as the unseen pillars behind the nation’s security personnel.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Annual General Convention of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) in Abuja, the First Lady said police wives deserve increased support for their sacrifices in keeping families together while their spouses protect the nation.
Represented by the wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, Mrs. Lilian Oghogho Musa, Senator Tinubu said police officers’ wives provide the stability that enables security personnel to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
“You provide the stability that enables our police officers to serve the nation effectively. Your patience, sacrifices, encouragement and support deserve recognition, while your health and mental well-being must also receive adequate attention,” she said.
The convention, held at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja, attracted wives of serving and retired police officers, senior government officials, police leadership and other stakeholders.
The event, themed “The Resilient Woman: Navigating Life’s Challenges with Strength, Purpose and Grace,” focused on healthcare, education, mental wellness, economic empowerment and family support for police households.
The First Lady commended the National President of POWA, Chief (Mrs.) Mutiat Olufunmilola Disu, for promoting unity, capacity building and welfare programmes for police families across the country.
She noted that supporting police families aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in women, families and stronger national institutions.
Earlier, POWA National President, Chief Mrs. Mutiat Olufunmilola Disu, described police wives as silent heroes whose sacrifices often go unnoticed despite their vital role in supporting officers.
“Today is more than the opening of another convention. It is the gathering of women whose stories are rarely told, whose sacrifices are often unseen, yet whose strength quietly keeps the Nigerian Police Force standing,” she said.
Mrs. Disu disclosed that the association has expanded its programmes to include free medical outreaches, eye care services, scholarships, economic empowerment initiatives and support for widows and vulnerable children.
She added that findings from visits to police barracks revealed the growing economic challenges facing many police families, making welfare interventions even more necessary.
“Healthcare, education, mental wellness, economic empowerment and support for widows and children are not just programmes—they are promises that no police family should feel forgotten,” she stated.
Also speaking, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, praised police wives for their unwavering support and sacrifices, describing them as dependable partners who contribute significantly to the effectiveness and morale of officers.
He commended POWA for organising the convention and reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to initiatives that improve the welfare of police families.
Participants at the convention called for stronger collaboration between government, police authorities and other stakeholders to promote the welfare, resilience and economic empowerment of police families across Nigeria.
