The Police Officers’ Wives Association, POWA, has provided welfare support to 100 wives and widows of Police officers in Gombe State, as a crucial step towards strengthening the morale and performance of security personnel safeguarding lives and property across Nigeria.
POWA, Gombe state Command, made this known during the celebration of the International Women’s Day, where palliatives were distributed to women, including widows of fallen officers and wives of personnel currently deployed in operational fields across the country.
The palliatives included food items and a token of N5000 to each of the beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, on behalf of the Chairperson of POWA in Gombe, Mrs. Aishatu Adamu Chuso, the Deputy Chairperson of POWA in the state, Mrs. Hadiza Saiyabu Ahmed, said the gesture was aimed at putting smiles on the faces of beneficiaries, while also supporting families of officers who dedicate their lives to national security.
She noted that many of the beneficiaries were women whose husbands were currently on duty in various security operations, while others were widows who lost their husbands in service.
“Today is a special day for women. We thank God for witnessing the celebration of the International Women’s Day. We continue to pray that God protects our husbands and grants them strength as they work to secure the nation,” she said.
Improved Welfare
Also speaking, the Secretary of POWA, Gombe Command, Mrs. Damaris Yohanna Joel, stressed that improved welfare for security personnel and their families would significantly enhance national safety.
According to her, officers are more likely to give their best when they are assured that their families are cared for.
“If the government provides them with the welfare they deserve, it will enhance safety and security in the country because they will serve with all their hearts,” she said.
Mrs. Joel explained that it would be difficult for security personnel to remain focused on protecting others when their own families are struggling at home.
She disclosed that each of the 100 beneficiaries received food items and a cash support of ₦5,000 to assist them with basic household needs.
Mrs. Joel further highlighted the critical role women play in supporting police officers, noting that the stability of the home directly influences the effectiveness of officers in the field.
“Behind every successful policeman is a supportive woman. When there is peace at home, officers carry out their duties with joy and commitment. Our support contributes greatly to their success,” she said.
The Secretary of Gombe POWA also called on the government and Nigerians to support security personnel by ensuring they are adequately equipped and motivated.
According to her, providing allowances and necessary resources would enable officers to perform their duties more effectively.
“You cannot expect a man to leave his home without food and perform well in the field. When they have what they need, they will carry out their responsibilities perfectly,” Mrs. Joel said.
She further urged citizens, particularly women, to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence that could help combat crime and strengthen national security.
She also stated that the association intentionally focused on widows and wives of junior officers to show solidarity and appreciation for families who had sacrificed for the nation.
“We brought them here to show that we care and that we have not forgotten our heroes who worked for this country,” she added.
