The 23rd Indigenous President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association, POWA, Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Mutiat Disu, has formally assumed office, pledging to deepen welfare, unity and empowerment within the association, while describing POWA as “the backbone behind the badge.”
Addressing members, executive officers and the media at her inauguration, Mrs. Disu expressed profound gratitude to God and a strong sense of responsibility.
“Today, I stand before you with a heart overflowing with gratitude, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility,” she said.
“First and foremost, I return all glory, honour, and adoration to Almighty God. It is by His grace that POWA has been built, sustained, and brought to this moment. Today, He entrusts us with a new chapter in its journey. I thank God for the privilege to serve, not as a ruler, but as a servant and a team player.”
She stressed that her inauguration was not only about a transition in leadership but also a moment to honour the legacy of the outgoing administration.
“Today is not only about new beginnings; it is also about honouring the solid foundation upon which we stand. I pay glowing tribute to our amiable outgoing president, a woman of vision, strength, and compassion.”
Mrs. Disu paid tribute to her predecessor, Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Egbetokun, crediting her tenure with significant growth and transformation within the association.
“Under her leadership, POWA experienced remarkable growth in welfare initiatives, empowerment programmes, educational support, and community outreach. She strengthened unity among members, amplified our voice nationally and internationally, and upheld the dignity of the police family. Her tenure has proven that POWA is not just an association, it is a movement of resilience, support, and transformation.
“Thank you for your sacrifices, your dedication, and your sleepless nights of service. May God bless you, Ma. We do not come to replace your legacy; we come to build upon it.”
Highlighting the pivotal role of police officers’ wives, Mrs. Disu emphasised that POWA transcends being a mere social platform.
“POWA is much more than a social body, we are the backbone behind the badge! We are the silent strength behind the uniform. We are the hands that nurture homes, while our spouses protect the nation,” she said.
“In every late-night call, every emergency deployment, every transfer, and every uncertainty, we stand firm, holding the family together. We raise responsible children. We provide emotional support. We build communities. The police officer protects the nation. The police officer’s wife preserves the home. Together, we secure the future.”
Unveiling her agenda, Mrs. Disu outlined five strategic priorities that will shape her administration.
“As I assume this office, I do so with a clear commitment and vision, focused on five key priorities,” she said.
The priorities include mental and emotional health support, with safe spaces for healing and encouragement; economic empowerment through expanded skill acquisition and entrepreneurship opportunities; education and youth development via scholarships, mentorship and leadership programmes; national unity and inclusion to ensure members across commands feel valued; and strengthened welfare systems to ensure no member or family feels abandoned in times of need.
She encapsulated her mission in clear terms: “Our mission is simple and sincere: to create a supportive and inclusive POWA community where police wives and families are emotionally strengthened, economically empowered, and united across all commands, with care and dignity for every member.”
Mrs. Disu also pledged to entrench sustainable systems within the association.
“We will build structures that outlive us. We will institutionalise compassion. We will make empowerment measurable and impactful,” she assured.
Calling for collective ownership of her vision, she underscored the importance of shared responsibility in leadership.
“Leadership is not a solo journey. It is a collective responsibility. I cannot do this alone. The executive cannot do this alone. POWA thrives when every member participates, when ideas are shared, hands are lifted to serve, and hearts are united in purpose.
“Let us move from spectators to contributors. Let us turn challenges into opportunities. Let us raise the standard of what a support system can be.”
She also unveiled her tenure’s slogan: “United in Strength, Empowered for Impact.”
“United in strength, because our unity is our power. Empowered for impact, because we are not just surviving; we are shaping homes, communities, and our nation.
“When we say this, let it remind us of who we are. When we act, let it reflect our purpose. When we lead, let it define our legacy.”
In a symbolic call-and-response session, she declared, “(Call) United in Strength!” and members replied, “(Response) Empowered for Impact!”
Expressing optimism about the future, Mrs. Disu said: “My dear sisters, the journey ahead will require courage, patience, innovation, and faith. But I am confident, because I believe in God, I believe in this institution, and I believe in you.
“May this tenure be remembered not just for activities, but for transformation. Not just for programmes, but impact. Not just for leadership, but for legacy.”
She concluded with prayers for the association and the Nigeria Police Force: “God bless POWA. God bless our police officers and their families.”
