The Nigerian Police Trust Fund has unveiled a vocational skills acquisition and empowerment programme for spouses of junior police officers.
The programme, according to the NPTF, is aimed at improving the welfare of police families and strengthening the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking at the flag-off of the programme in Abuja on Monday, the Executive Secretary of the NPTF, Mohammed Sheidu, said the initiative was part of efforts to promote economic self-reliance among police families through vocational training and the distribution of start-up packs.
He said the programme, which is being implemented simultaneously in selected states across the country, aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on economic empowerment and inclusive development.
Sheidu said, “Today’s event is more than the launch of a new programme. It is a demonstration of our belief that the welfare of every police officer is closely linked to the well-being of the family that stands behind him or her.
“Our officers dedicate their lives to protecting our nation, often under challenging circumstances. Behind every officer is a spouse and a family making sacrifices that deserve recognition and support.”
The NPTF boss noted that while the Trust Fund had continued to invest in police training, infrastructure and operational support, empowering the families of officers remained critical to building a stronger police institution.
He added, “This programme has been designed to equip spouses with practical vocational skills and provide the tools they need to build sustainable businesses and improved household livelihoods. As we present these start-up packs, we are not merely distributing equipment. We are investing in opportunities, promoting self-reliance and creating pathways for lasting economic independence.”
He urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the training and equipment to establish successful businesses capable of supporting their families.
“The knowledge you have acquired and the start-up packs you receive today are only the beginning. Your determination, discipline and commitment will determine how far you go,” he said.
Also speaking, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, described junior police officers as the backbone of the Nigeria Police Force, saying their spouses played indispensable roles in supporting them despite the challenges associated with policing.
The IGP commended the Nigerian Police Trust Fund for initiating the programme, saying improving the welfare of police families would ultimately enhance service delivery.
He said, “Behind every dedicated police officer is often a supportive spouse whose sacrifices, encouragement and unwavering commitment provide the emotional strength needed to serve our nation under demanding and sometimes very difficult circumstances.
“Our junior officers are the backbone of the Nigerian Police Force. They stand on the frontline every day, sacrificing family time and comfort to keep the nation safe.”
According to him, police officers often miss important family occasions because of the demands of their duties, leaving their spouses to shoulder greater responsibilities at home.
“Most of the time we don’t even know the birthdays of our children. Every occasion we cannot attend because we are on duty. It is you, our wives, who carry the hopes, manage the children, absorb the stress and continue to support your husbands,” he said.
The IGP said the police leadership recognised that the welfare of personnel could not be separated from the welfare of their families.
“This is why we welcome initiatives such as this that seek to improve livelihoods, promote self-reliance and create additional opportunities for sustainable family income. I am confident this programme will have a lasting and positive impact on the lives of our personnel and their families,” he added.
He also thanked the Police Trust Fund and other partners for their continued support towards building a more professional, motivated and service-oriented police force.