We’ll institutionalise compassion in POWA, says Mrs Disu
The new President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Mutiat Disu, has pledged to institutionalise compassion and expand welfare systems for police families. Mrs. Disu made the
The new President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Mutiat Disu, has pledged to institutionalise compassion and expand welfare systems for police families.
Mrs. Disu made the pledge on Tuesday after assuming duty as the 23rd indigenous POWA President.
She outlined a five-point agenda focused on mental and emotional health support; economic empowerment; education and youth development; national unity and inclusion, and strengthened welfare for members across commands.
“We will build structures that outlive us. We will institutionalise compassion and make empowerment measurable and impactful,” she said.
The POWA president said her administration would prioritise programmes that address the unique pressures faced by police families, noting that the association must evolve into a stronger support system for members whose spouses serve in demanding and often unpredictable conditions.
She described POWA as far more than a social body, calling it the backbone behind the police uniform.
“We are the silent strength behind the uniform. We are the hands that nurture homes while our spouses protect the nation,” she said.
According to her, police wives play a critical role in stabilising families despite the uncertainties that come with policing, including emergency deployments, late-night calls and frequent transfers.
“In every late-night call, every emergency deployment, every transfer and every uncertainty, we stand firm holding the family together. We raise responsible children, provide emotional support and build communities.
“The police officer protects the nation. The police officer’s wife preserves the home. Together, we secure the future,” she said.
Mrs. Disu revealed plans to create safe spaces and support networks where members can share experiences, receive encouragement and find healing on mental health related issues.
She said economic empowerment programmes would also be expanded through skill acquisition initiatives, entrepreneurship training and improved access to sustainable financial opportunities for members.
The administration, she added, will also prioritise education and youth development by supporting children of police families through scholarships, mentorship initiatives and leadership programmes.
Mrs. Disu said her leadership would also work to strengthen unity within the association by bridging gaps across commands and ensuring that every member feels recognised, heard and valued.
She pledged to reinforce POWA’s welfare structure so that members and their families receive support in both difficult and celebratory moments.
“Our mission is to create a supportive and inclusive POWA community where police wives and families are emotionally strengthened, economically empowered and united across all commands with care and dignity for every member,” she said.
The new president paid tribute to her predecessor, Dr. Elizabeth Egbetokun, describing her as a woman of vision and compassion whose tenure recorded remarkable progress in welfare initiatives, empowerment programmes, educational support and community outreach.
She said the outgone leadership strengthened unity among members while amplifying POWA’s voice nationally and internationally.
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“Her tenure has proven that POWA is not just an association; it is a movement of resilience, support and transformation. We do not come to replace your legacy; we come to build upon it,” she said.
Mrs. Disu also called on members to play active roles in strengthening the association, stressing that leadership in POWA must be a collective responsibility.
“I cannot do this alone. The executive cannot do this alone. POWA thrives when every member participates, when ideas are shared, hands are lifted to serve and hearts are united in purpose,” she said.
She unveiled the slogan for her tenure as “United in Strength, Empowered for Impact,” explaining that it reflects the values of unity and purposeful empowerment that will guide her administration.
“United in strength because our unity is our power. Empowered for impact because we are not just surviving; we are shaping homes, communities and our nation,” she said.
Expressing optimism about the future of the association, Mrs. Disu said her tenure would focus on meaningful impact and lasting transformation.
“May this tenure be remembered not just for activities, but for transformation; not just for programmes, but for impact; not just for leadership, but for legacy,” she said.
