Odita Sunday 
POWA President surprises Abuja barracks traders with grants, relief materials
By Odita Sunday
The National President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Chief Mrs. Olufunmilola Disu, has taken her welfare outreach to police barracks in the Federal Capital Territory, providing cash grants, food items and business support to women traders, widows and spouses of serving police officers.
The two-day outreach, held ahead of the 2026 POWA National Convention scheduled for July 16 to 18, featured unannounced visits to the markets at Area C Police Barracks, Nyanya, and 44 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Barracks, Kuje.
Accompanied by members of the POWA management team, Mrs. Disu walked through the markets, interacting with traders and listening to their concerns. She observed that many of the shops were poorly stocked due to financial constraints and immediately provided selected beneficiaries with cash support, business grants, food items and starter packs to help revive their businesses.
Explaining the rationale behind the surprise visits, the POWA President said she wanted to witness firsthand the living conditions and challenges confronting police families.
”I wanted to meet our women in their everyday environment, listen to them and see their challenges for myself. It is only when we understand their realities that we can provide support that truly meets their needs,” she said.
Mrs. Disu said the intervention was part of the POWA CARES Initiative, aimed at improving healthcare, welfare and economic empowerment for police families in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
She noted that the outreach also reflects the vision of the forthcoming POWA National Convention with the theme, “The Resilient Woman: Navigating Life’s Challenges with Strength, Purpose and Grace,” which will focus on healthcare, mental wellness, economic empowerment and stronger support systems for police families nationwide.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the intervention.
One of them, Abigail John, said she was overwhelmed when the POWA President visited her shop and immediately came to her aid after hearing about her challenges.
”She came to my shop, saw the challenges I was facing and decided to support my business. I am truly grateful for her kindness,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Rebecca Atahiru, a widow whose husband died in active service 15 years ago, described the assistance as timely and encouraging.
Grace Ameh, an egg trader and wife of a police inspector, also commended the initiative, urging wives of police officers to actively participate in POWA programmes.
The association said the outreach underscores its commitment to supporting widows of fallen officers and families of serving personnel through practical interventions designed to promote dignity, self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
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