‘Transformational Leadership aids Individuals Rise Above Self-interest’,
IGP Egbetokun To POWA
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun hailed the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) for its giant strides in promotion of family ideals, socioeconomic empowerment, community development, and serving as a bridge between the Police institution and civil society. The organization which was founded in 1984 has the mission to enhance the quality of life of Police families through Empowerment, education, and welfare-oriented initiatives, National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.
The speech of the IGP Kayode Egbetokun who also doubles as the Grand Patron of POWA was read by the AIG in charge of Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade. He stated: ‘I commend the leadership of POWA for their consistency in driving initiatives that uplift Police families and promote values of dignity, resilience, and service. Your work, often unsung, is felt across every barracks, every household, and in the moral strength of every officer who wears the badge knowing that a strong, intelligent, and supportive force stands behind him or her at home. The role of police wives is not merely domestic or ceremonial, but strategic – touching national security indirectly through family stability, youth mentoring, community engagement, and economic empowerment.’
Taking a historical perspective of the organization, Egbetokun said: ‘The Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) was officially established in 1984 by the wife of the first indigenous Inspector General of Police, Mrs. Mary Edet Elizabeth Inyang as its pioneer National President.
However, the foundation of POWA can be traced to informal gatherings of police officers’ wives as far back as the 1970s, when they came together to support each other emotionally and materially, especially during transfers, bereavements, and social dislocations. With time, the necessity for a more structured platform became apparent, especially in addressing the unique social and economic challenges facing the families of police personnel.
POWA in 1984 marked a turning point. Initially focused on welfare activities such as visitation to barracks, orphanages, and hospitals, POWA began to evolve beyond these traditional support roles. The 1990s saw the emergence of empowerment programmes including vocational training, educational support for children of officers, and health awareness campaigns spearheaded by dynamic leadership of past and present presidents.
Today, POWA stands not only as a welfare body but as a transformative social force that amplifies the voices of police families, fosters community development, and advances the cause of women in security-linked spaces. Its journey reflects resilience, adaptation, and purposeful evolution.’
‘The heart of POWA lies in its mission: to enhance the quality of life of police families through empowerment, education, and welfare-oriented initiatives. It envisions a future where the wives of officers are not just passive supporters, but active drivers of change including educators, entrepreneurs, advocates, and leaders. Its vision captures the aspiration of building a resilient, resourceful, and respected community of women, capable of supporting both their families and society at large. The emphasis is no longer solely on survival but on transformation, dignity, and leadership. POWA’s relevance today is both strategic and symbolic, serving multiple key functions in the policing ecosystem and beyond.’
‘POWA’s outreach initiatives ranging from community clean-up campaigns to school donation drives help soften the public image of the police, creating trust, human connection, and positive engagement. It has the unique ability to serve as an informal diplomacy channel, fostering goodwill where uniforms may sometimes evoke fear or mistrust.’
The strategic importance of POWA ranges from being:
- A Support Pillar to Police Families: POWA acts as a lifeline during crisis, displacement, bereavement, and financial hardship. By mobilizing solidarity and service, it provides emotional stability and socio-economic relief to those who serve the nation through their husbands.
- A Socio-Economic Influencer in Police Communities: Through cooperative societies, skills acquisition centres, micro-enterprises, and health campaigns, POWA contributes to poverty reduction, youth mentorship, and women’s empowerment. It leverages the collective strength of its members to uplift the barracks community and reduce dependence on overstretched police welfare systems.
- A Bridge Between the Police Institution and Civil Society’
DEFINING TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN CONTEXT
Transformational leadership is not merely about holding titles or issuing directives, it is about vision, impact, and legacy. It is a style of leadership that empowers, inspires, and ignites meaningful change. At its core, transformational leadership encourages individuals to rise above self-interest for the sake of collective progress and a higher cause. It is characterized by the Four I’s which are:
- Idealized Influence – Leading by example and modelling integrity that others aspire to emulate.
- Inspirational Motivation – Articulating a compelling vision that energizes others to dream bigger and act boldly.
- Intellectual Stimulation – Encouraging creativity, challenging assumptions, and fostering innovation.
- Individualized Consideration – Recognizing and nurturing the unique strengths of each member
- As we reflect on the journey of the Police Officer’s Wife Association, one truth resonates powerfully: within every POWA member lies an untapped force for national transformation. You are more than companions to gallant officers; you are architects of hope, bridges of resilience, and vessels of generational impact.
Egbetokun charged: ‘Transformational leadership is not a title, but a mindset, one that dares to envision a better tomorrow, ignites potential in others, and transforms ordinary efforts into extraordinary legacies. Let this gathering not be a moment, but a movement, a bold awakening of purpose. Let it stir innovation, strengthen our bonds, and renew our collective commitment to shaping communities of peace, prosperity, and pride.’
‘The time is now to rise with vision, lead with empathy, and act with unwavering courage. For in unlocking POWA’s full potential, we unlock the deeper strength of our nation, one empowered woman, one inspired home, and one transformed society at a time’, he 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 included; Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin representing the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Honorable Commissioner of Women and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada representing the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Moshood Jimoh;
Others were: 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; Honorable Commissioner of Women and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada; 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.
