‘You Truly Are The Backbone Of Our Security’ – Gov. Sanwo-Olu Lauds POWA • First Lady Sanwo-Olu, LSSTF CEO Balogun, Service Commanders, others attend POWA national convention 2025
By Oki Samson, Trek Africa Newspaper
The Governor of Lagos State, Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has praised the efforts of the Police Officers Wives Association in supporting the Nigeria Police to achieve its mandate of promoting law and order, and for its far-reaching social initiatives which is making women and families better. Noting that POWA is not just made of women but beautiful, elegant, and powerful women, he cited ‘without you there is no man, no policeman, no CP, no IGP, you make them all happy and confident to discharge their duties effectively,’ National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.
In his goodwill message delivered by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin representing the Lagos State Governor, Gov. Sanwo-Olu highlighted: ‘POWA brings together a multicultural community of women and plays a transformative role in improving the socio-economic conditions of Police families across Nigeria, fostering unity, empowerment, and a strong support network for law enforcement families. The noble mission and lasting impact of POWA deserve our sincere commendation. Since its founding in 1964, POWA has stood as a pillar of support and empowerment for Police families, especially women and children, across Nigeria.’
‘Through your unwavering commitment to welfare, skills acquisition, health, education, and community development, you have uplifted many lives and inspired hope within and beyond our police barracks.
I applaud the recent initiatives of POWA – empowering more than 1,000 women right here in Lagos, expanding welfare programs nationwide, enhancing microfinance support, and launching vital health and entrepreneurship projects. Your work has not only improved the socio-economic wellbeing of Police families but has also contributed meaningfully toward greater unity, security, and stability in our communities. POWA… you are not just women not just wives and mothers you are beautiful elegant and powerful!
Without you there is no man no police man no CP no IGP… you make them all happy and confident to discharge their duties effectively! You truly are the backbone of our security!’
He charged POWA, ‘As you convene to chart new and innovative strategies at this national conference, I urge you to sustain the spirit of unity, love, collaboration, and service that has always been the hallmark of your association because it is through these collective efforts and mutual support that POWA has been able to achieve all the remarkable milestones we see today.
Let this spirit of resilience commitment and love continue to guide your discussions, inspire creative solutions, and strengthen partnerships—not only among yourselves but also with government agencies, community stakeholders, and civil society. By fostering inclusivity and shared responsibility, your initiatives will not only be impactful but also sustainable, bringing lasting benefits to police families and the wider community they protect.’
‘I extend my heartfelt and warmest wishes to the POWA National President Dr. Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun. Believe me, you chose well, your decision to do this in Lagos is a very wise decision, this is the right place to be at this time in the history of Nigeria and Africa’, Gov. Sanwo-Olu concluded.
The 3-day event opened with a ceremony and Inspirational talk on Wednesday, 30th July, 2025 at Eko Hotel, continues with Day 2 comprising Sport Segment and Empowerment Programs on Thursday, 31st July, 2025 at Onikan Stadium, and rounds up with Day 3 featuring Talent Hunt and Dinner on Friday 1st August, 2025 at Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.
Dignitaries present at the event includes; First Lady of Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Honorable Commissioner of Women and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada representing the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG in-charge of Zone 2, AIG Fayoade Adegoke representing IGP Kayode Egbetokun; Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Moshood Jimoh; White Caps Chiefs representing the Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba is Rilwan Akiolu; Executive Secretary/CEO, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Dr Abdurrazaq Balogun; Commander, 9 Brigade, Nigerian, Brig. Gen. OM Oyelami; Commander, 651 Base Service Group, Air Commodore US Umar; Commander, NNS Beecroft, Commodore P.P Nimmyel; Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Hon. Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (Rtd); Deputy Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, DCP Fatai Tijani; LSSTF Secretary, Mrs. Ada Onyeka among others.
