Sule Aliyu Bauçhi
President of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) who is the Wife of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr Elizabeth Egbetokun on Tuesday in Bauchi flagged off the distribution of empowerment to 100 of its members as well as few identified People with Disabilities (PWDs).
The distribution ceremony was held at the Parade ground of the Police Training School, Yelwa, Bauchi had items such as sewing machines, hair saloon driers and other items for a hair salon, deep freezers, food items, wheelchairs for PWDs and other related items aimed at making them self-reliant and employers of labour we given out.
Speaking during the distribution of the items, the National President of POWA Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Egbetokun said that through POWA’s educational and empowerment initiatives, the Association is determined to provide its members with the necessary skills and tools to enable them to thrive to prosperity.
She particularly commended the perseverance and resilience of the Wives of deceased Officers and personnel who died in service describing them as “beacons of hope to others.”
Elizabeth Egbetokun then urged the women to stand firm in unity and also support one another at all times stressing that there is progress and positivity in teamwork and unity of purpose.
She then disclosed that Twenty Women from each of the 20 LGAs in Bauchi state are to be sponsored to attend training on improving agriculture production at a location in the United States of America (USA).
The selected women are to be sponsored by the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) under the leadership of the President, Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun who is the Wife of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun.
Bauchi State First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Bala Muhammad commended the POWA President for her unwavering commitment and dedication to supporting the widows of the fallen heroes.
Represented by the Wife of the State Deputy Governor, Hajiya Asma’u Muhammàd Auwal, the Bauchi First Lady said that the empowerment programme initiated by Mrs. Egbetokun was a clear demonstration of her unwavering commitment to the well-being of widows of Police Officers.
She stressed that the empowerment will not only support them but also uplift the entire community as it promotes self-sufficiency and economic growth.
Welcoming Guests, Bauchi State Chairperson of POWA, Hajiya Binta Auwal Musa said that POWA, at the State level has made significant progress at improving membership drive and provision of socio-economic support to State POWA members and their wards.
Hajiya Musa also disclosed that the State Chapter of POWA is currently building a dispensary at one of the barracks, with the support of the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police (CP) Auwal Musa.
All the beneficiaries of the empowerment packages were selected among widows of deceased officers and personnel, less privileged members of POWA and some PWDs within and outside the Police community in Bauchi state.