…Funke Akindele Salutes Police Families for Their Sacrifice and Resilience
IGP, POWA Host Lagos Outreach Beneficiaries to Special Dinner, Present ₦500,000 Cash Gifts
…Funke Akindele Salutes Police Families for Their Sacrifice and Resilience
Four months after the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) concluded its landmark POWA CARES Initiative in Lagos, beneficiaries of one of the outreach’s most memorable raffle prizes have been hosted to an exclusive dinner with the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the National President of POWA, Chief Mrs. Olufunmilola Mutiat Disu.
The high-profile dinner also had in attendance Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele, who joined the police leadership and beneficiaries in celebrating families of officers. Her presence added a touch of glamour and solidarity to the evening, as she stood in support of police families and their sacrifices.
The dinner fulfilled a commitment made during the April 29 outreach, where beneficiaries selected through a ballot draw were promised an opportunity to spend an evening with the Inspector-General and his wife as part of the association’s efforts to recognise and appreciate members of the police family.
Beyond the dinner, each beneficiary received a cash gift of ₦500,000, further reinforcing POWA’s commitment to improving the welfare and economic well-being of police families.
The Lagos edition of the POWA CARES Initiative reached more than 1,000 police families through a combination of healthcare, education and economic empowerment interventions. The programme provided free eye, dental and general medical services, prescription eyeglasses, specialist referrals for critical health cases, empowerment grants of ₦50,000 to 200 families, ₦10,000 Cowry Cards for raffle winners and 15 nursing scholarships, reflecting the association’s broader commitment to strengthening the health, education and economic resilience of police households.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, expressed delight at sharing the evening with the winners and their families, describing police spouses as indispensable partners in the service and sacrifices of officers.
He commended the wives of police officers for their resilience, dedication and unwavering support despite the unique demands of the profession, noting that the stability of police families contributes significantly to the effectiveness of the Force.
The IGP also applauded the achievements of children from police families, describing them as a source of pride to the Nigeria Police Force, and thanked Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele for identifying with police families.
In her remarks, the National President of POWA, Chief Mrs. Olufunmilola Mutiat Disu, congratulated the beneficiaries, describing the dinner as the fulfilment of a promise made during the Lagos outreach.
She encouraged the children present to remain committed to their education and personal development, urging them to shun negative influences, remain focused and strive for excellence in whatever career path they choose.
Mrs. Disu expressed confidence that children of police officers would continue to distinguish themselves in different fields, stressing that the choices they make today will shape the future they enjoy tomorrow.
Funke Akindele paid glowing tribute to the wives of police officers, acknowledging the enormous sacrifices they make in supporting their husbands, raising their children and keeping their homes together while officers carry out their demanding responsibilities.
Describing them as “special women,” she encouraged them to remain steadfast and assured them of her continued commitment to the cause of POWA. She also appreciated them for the often-unseen role they play in strengthening police families and, by extension, the nation.
While the dinner provided an opportunity for informal interaction between the police leadership and beneficiaries, it also reflected POWA’s broader philosophy that welfare extends beyond financial assistance to recognition, encouragement and sustained engagement with police families.
For the beneficiaries, the evening marked the fulfilment of a promise. For POWA, it reinforced a growing commitment to ensuring that the families behind the uniform remain visible, valued and supported.