POWA National President empowers women with business start-ups In Rivers

By Tina Amanda

The National President of Police Officers’ Wives Association(POWA), Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Egbetokun on Friday 27 September 2024, commissioned a twelve-room office complex at Rivers State POWA Secretariat’ located at Old GRA, Port Harcourt.

Dr. Elizabeth who is the wife of Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun empowered some Police officers wives and widows of late Police officers with equipment to start up businesses.

Speaking during the event, she highlighted the challenges and responsibilities Police officers go through daily while encouraging them not to relent.

“Today marks a pivotal moment in our journey by the establishment of the complex. One of our missions is to advocate for police families and ensure they receive support for their sacrifices.

“This complex will foster unity and generate revenue for the organization”.

The POWA National President while distributing essential business start-up equipment, including sewing machines, gas cookers with ovens, and hairdressing tools, to widows of late police officers and wives of serving officers, said the initiative goal is to ensure women become financially independent and capable of supporting their families.

The distribution follows a skills training program aimed at equipping women with practical skills to run small businesses.

Dr. Egbetokun also gave out bags of rice, cartons of indomie noodles, and other foodstuff to empower some of the women to start up foodstuff businesses.

She further assured that her leadership will continue to prioritize the welfare of its members and that of the wives of fallen Police officers.

In her speech, the wife of Rivers State Governor, Valerie Fubara who was represented by Roseline Uranta, Commissioner for Women Affairs in Rivers State, said the state Government is committed to enhancing the welfare of women under the leadership of Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

She said the Ministry of Women’s Affairs will continue to support policies and projects that will better the lives of women in the state.

Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olatunji Disu, thanked the wife of the IGP for joining the POWA Rivers State branch for the commissioning.

“It is a testament to our resolve to enhance the safety and security of Rivers state. I also thank the Governor for his support, the facility serves as a beacon of hope to our community” CP Disu said.

In her address, the Chairperson of POWA, Rivers State, Olufunmilola Disu thanked God for making the day a reality.

“When I assumed office on November 18, 2023, I and my team recognized the need for a significant project at the POWA secretariat. We quickly initiated work and on April 18, 2024, we held the groundbreaking ceremony of this complex and the POWA plaza at Igwuruta.

“Despite the challenging economic landscape, we remained committed to improving the welfare of our members, knowing that this project would significantly enhance the financial stability of the association.

“I stand before you celebrating the commissioning of twelve office complexes and empowerment of some women. The facility symbolizes our unity, resilience, and unwavering support for our Police officers and their families.

“This complex serves as a mini business hub and a means to generate funds to support activities of our association”.

Highlights of the event were the cutting of the ribbon at the complex signifying the commissioning and award to the state Chairperson of POWA from National headquarters for her hard work.

Our correspondent reports that the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Zone 16 Yenagoa, Paul Omata, Senior Police Officers in the state, some members of Sister Security agencies, Traditional Rulers, Chairman of PCRC in Rivers State Voke Emore were all in attendance.