The Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Edo State Command, has empowered 18 members with vocational tools, while cash support was also given to 26 widows.
The empowerment programme took place at the POWA Secretariat in the Etete Division area of Benin City, Edo State.
The beneficiaries were trained in different skills including bag making, makeup artistry, and soap making.
Speaking during the event, the POWA Chairperson and wife of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Mrs. Helen Ada Agbonika, congratulated the beneficiaries and encouraged them to make proper use of the empowerment items given to them.
She also stated that the association would monitor the beneficiaries to ensure the items are used effectively and not sold.
A resource person at the programme, Pharm. Darocah Omoefe, stressed the importance of teaching people skills that can help them become self-reliant, rather than only giving out financial assistance.
Also speaking, the DC Admin at the State Headquarters, Mrs. Grace Longe, commended the POWA Chairperson for the initiative. She noted that empowerment goes beyond money, adding that building good relationships, maintaining contacts, and reaching out to customers are also key to success.
Mr. James Elibe encouraged the trainees to put into practice all they had learnt during the training, assuring them that hard work and dedication would help them succeed.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of empowerment tools and certificates to participants.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with Obaland Crew expressed gratitude to POWA and promised to be good ambassadors of the association.