The welfare and economic stability of widows and women within the Police community in Cross River State have received a major boost, courtesy of the Police Officers’ Wives Association, POWA, in partnership with the Cross River State Government.
POWA and the State government rolled out the comprehensive empowerment programme to support families and households out of the current economic challenges in the country.
The initiative, powered by the Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Eyoanwan Otu, formed part of a nationwide directive by the Wife of the Inspector-General of Police, Elizabeth Egbetokun, for coordinated empowerment of Police families.
Beneficiaries of the empowerment programme received financial support and essential livelihood materials, aimed at easing economic pressures and strengthening the capacity of widows and vulnerable women within the Police community.
The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Rashid Afegbua, who represented the Wife of the State Governor, Eyoanwan Otu, described the initiative as a timely intervention that goes beyond welfare, focusing on restoring dignity and promoting self-reliance.
He disclosed plans to engage the Cross River State Government on a partnership with POWA, to establish structured skill acquisition and vocational training programmes that will ensure sustainable livelihoods for beneficiaries.
Earlier, the Chairperson of POWA in Cross River State, Linda Afegbua explained that the programme was designed to deliberately carry along members of the late Police Officers Wives Association, LAPOWA, and other women, stressing that inclusion, capacity building and economic independence remain the core objectives of the exercise.
The programme concluded with a city walk, where the women moved through the major streets in a display of unity and celebration.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
