The Integrity Youth Alliance has criticised the warped Sahara Reporters for their recent publication titled, “BREAKING: Nigerian Police Authorities Mandate Personnel To Contribute Over N3 Billion To POWA Association Under IGP Egbetokun’s Wife.”
In a press release on Wednesday, February 12th, 2025, signed by the Alliance’s National Coordinator, Kelvin Adegbenga, he said that Sahara Reporters and its publisher, Sowore, are mischievous and need to be educated about the Police Officers’ Wives Association.
“POWA was founded in 1964 by Mary Edet, the wife of the then Inspector General of Police.
“The association is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting law enforcement spouses. It is individuals who believe in thriving families and are committed to enhancing the potential of families and children by supporting and addressing identified needs, Adegbenga said.
He further said that the association strives to achieve the set objectives through its involvement in education and healthcare, as well as the welfare of its members and women at large.
“The Police Officers’ Wives Association is funded by contributions from police officers.
“POWA President, Dr. Elizabeth Egbetokun, and her executive strive towards providing selfless and purposeful leadership that will strengthen the association towards sustaining the attainment of its lofty goals.
“POWA is an association that assists in stabilising the home front as their husbands step out of their homes in the service of the nation. It has evolved over the years to become a unique body that binds the families of the serving officers together.
“Besides championing the interests and welfare of wives and families of police officers, the association is also a strong empowerment body that embarks on the projects that are known to have been adding value to the lives of families of officers.
“Beyond these, POWA is a bridge of friendship between the Force, the military, and other sister security agencies.
“It may interest Sahara Reporters that POWA has embarked on several empowerment programs, such as providing cash donations to widows and junior police officers, provision of sewing machines to widows and junior police officers,
“Also, POWA provides tools and materials like grinding machines, refrigerators, and fertilisers to support police families and also provides educational support for police families.
Adegbenga further said all the above cost money, and POWA’s goal is to improve the welfare of police widows, orphans, and police families across Nigeria.
“We call on the POWA President, Dr. Elizabeth Egbetokun, and her executive team to continue to strive towards providing selfless and purposeful leadership that will strengthen the association towards sustaining the attainment of these lofty goals, the statement concluded.
