The Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has solicited stronger collaboration with the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) in building a safer and more resilient society.
At an engagement with POWA representatives in Benin City, Mrs. Anani emphasised the importance of police officers’ families in strengthening law enforcement effectiveness.
“As wives of police officers, you play an important role. If you don’t give them peace at home, they won’t be able to give us peace on the road,” she said, stressing that police remain vital to social order.
She reaffirmed her office’s commitment to initiatives combating gender-based violence, empowering women, and youth development.
She noted recurring cases of domestic violence, rape, property deprivation of women, and violent youth relationships, warning that these issues must be addressed to foster peaceful coexistence.
Mrs. Anani also called for more support for families of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing it as a way of honouring their sacrifices.
Chairperson of POWA, Mrs. Helen Agbonika, wife of the Edo State Commissioner of Police, commended the First Lady for her initiatives and sought collaboration for POWA’s NGO, which focuses on empowerment.
She disclosed that the association had recently mentored youths during International Youth Day as part of efforts to discourage crime.
