The Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) has launched its first-ever Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programme for spouses of junior police officers as part of efforts to improve the welfare of police families, promote entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment.

The nationwide initiative, implemented in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), is designed to provide beneficiaries with vocational training and start-up kits to establish sustainable businesses and improve household incomes.

Speaking during the inauguration of the programme at the MD Abubakar Police Barracks in Dei-Dei, Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the NPTF, Mohammed Sheidu, described the initiative as a practical demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promotes inclusive development and economic empowerment.

Sheidu said strengthening the economic capacity of police families is essential to building a more motivated and effective Nigeria Police Force. He also commended President Tinubu, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, and the leadership of POWA for their commitment to improving the welfare of police personnel and their families.

He stressed that the welfare of police officers is closely tied to the well-being of their families, noting that the programme goes beyond distributing equipment by creating opportunities for self-reliance and long-term financial independence.

According to him, while the Trust Fund has continued to invest in police training, infrastructure and operational support, empowering spouses with practical vocational skills and business start-up resources will help them establish viable enterprises and strengthen household livelihoods.

He encouraged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity with dedication and discipline, assuring them of the Trust Fund’s continued collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and POWA to support police families and communities.

Representing the Minister of Police Affairs, the Director of Police Reforms and Services, Bola Aderele, acknowledged the vital role played by the wives of police officers in supporting their husbands as they carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

The Inspector-General of Police described the initiative as a strategic investment in the welfare and stability of police families and urged participants to use the skills and resources provided to achieve lasting financial independence.

Also speaking, the National President of POWA, Mrs. Olufunmilola Disu, said the programme should be viewed as a meaningful investment in the morale and welfare of police families rather than an act of charity. She also appealed to government institutions and private organisations to support similar empowerment initiatives.

The programme is themed “Empowering Families, Strengthening Communities: Advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda Through Skills Acquisition and Economic Empowerment.”