POWA gives scholarship to 35 active, deceased officers’ children, upgrade schools facility
Written By Dedeigbo Ayodeji Samson
Posted By Town Crier News Nigeria
Published By Fitness Network Communications
The Police Officers Wives Association, POWA, in Lagos has awarded a scholarship grant of N200,000 each to 35 children of active and deceased officers.
The officers’ children have obtained admissions to various higher institutions of learning in Nigeria.
This educational gesture was presented by the 22nd President of POWA, Deaconess Elizabeth Egbetokun, who was accompanied by Mrs. Aisha Ciroma, wife of DIG Ciroma; Mrs. Zainab Ari Ali, wife of AIG Zone 2, and wives of CPs and others.
National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP, can report that the Chairperson of POWA in Lagos, Dr. Folayemi Owohunwa, also presented N300,000 to the management of police primary schools in Epe, Ikeja, Okota, Idimu, Obalende 1 and Obalende 2.
Owohunwa had earlier paid an on-the-spot visit to the schools across Lagos.
The presentation will engender improvement of facilities in the schools.
Present at the event were the wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Mrs. Omotosho; the Commissioner of Police in Lagos, CP Idowu Owohunwa; Oba Babatunde Saliu, the Oloworo of Oworo; Chief Bashir Afolami, representing the Oniru of Iru, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, the CEO of Beloxxi industry, members of the Lagos Police management team and many other dignitaries.
In her address during her maiden official visit to Lagos, the President of POWA, Deaconess Elizabeth Egbetokun, said: ‘Today we have come together not only as a community but as a force for positive change. We recognize that education is the cornerstone of progress and a powerful tool that can transform lives. As we award scholarships to these young minds, we are not only giving grants but empowering the future. Each scholarship is a testament to your potential and I am confident that you will make the most of this invaluable opportunity.”
The wife of the Governor of Lagos, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Mrs. Omotosho, stated that the Lagos State Government placed high premium on education
She said: “We want to ensure that education is beyond mere certification. That is why in the Office of the First Lady, we have initiated programmes to empower vulnerable women, youths, and children to pick relevant skills.”
In her welcome address, the Chairperson of POWA, Lagos State Command, Dr. Folayemi Owohunwa noted: “We have not only come to express our heartfelt appreciation but also to embark on a journey of empowerment. One of the most remarkable things that I admire about our President, Deaconess Elizabeth Egbetokun, is her commitment to value addition to police officers’ families. Among these is the concept of education empowerment, which is of innumerable value.
“This scholarship aims to provide assistance to the families of active and deceased officers, who share their aspirations of higher quality of life through attainment to higher institutions. Thirty-five beneficiaries will get a scholarship grant of N200,000.”
She advised the beneficiaries, saying:You represent not only yourselves but the dreams and aspirations of your family. Use this platform to become an ambassador of change and progress for your family and the country as a whole.”
Mrs. Owohunwa then presented N300,000 to facilitate the upgrade of school facilities in the Police primary schools in Epe, Ikeja, Okota, Idimu, Obalende 1, and Obalende 2.
Expressing his gratitude to the POWA, the Number One police officer in Lagos, CP Idowu Owohunwa, said: “Events of this nature shows that whether in service or out of service or if you pay the supreme sacrifice, we have the leadership between the rank of our wives – from the rank of the IGP to the chairpersons in the States – we can wipe tears off the faces of our families. On behalf of the Police family particularly in Lagos command, I say a big thank you.
“We say this is the beginning and we pray that successive POWA administrations will sustain this novel idea. It is by pulling from poverty that wealth is made and to sustain this effort, on behalf of officers in Lagos, we will make a donation of N6 million to support this scholarship scheme.
“For our children, who are beneficiaries, what you owe us and your family is hard work. Avoid the temptation to join a bad gang,” Owohunwa concluded.
Udeghene Samuel, one of the beneficiaries of the grant, thanked the IGP’s wife and Mrs. Owohunwa for the initiatives, because it would go a long way in assisting the students and their parents in no small measure.
“I am extremely happy to be chosen. It is a wonderful opportunity for me in this present day Nigeria economy. It will go a long way in helping me in my studies. Presently, I am in hundred level at Benue State University, and the grant will help me,” Samuel said.