Nigeria's Police Wives Association to Launch Mental Health Support for Widows

Mrs. Olufunmilola Disu, National President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), has announced plans to establish a sustainable mental health and psychosocial support system for police widows. Recognizing that the loss of a spouse in service often leaves deep emotional wounds beyond financial hardship, POWA aims to provide crucial support.

Speaking during activities to commemorate International Widows’ Day, themed “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Police Widows,” Mrs. Disu highlighted the ongoing struggles many police widows face, including grief, loneliness, and the challenges of single-handedly raising families. While acknowledging the importance of financial assistance, she stressed that emotional healing and psychological support must be prioritized equally.

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Our goal is simple: to ease the financial, health and emotional burdens faced by our women and to ensure that no police widow feels abandoned after her husband’s service and sacrifice.

The proposed support network will offer counseling services, emotional support, and a safe space for widows navigating life after their loss. "Our goal is simple: to ease the financial, health and emotional burdens faced by our women and to ensure that no police widow feels abandoned after her husband’s service and sacrifice," Mrs. Disu stated. She paid tribute to the families of officers recently killed in Yobe and Zamfara states, assuring their widows and children of the police community's solidarity.

POWA also reaffirmed its dedication to expanding welfare and healthcare interventions for police families nationwide. Hundreds have already benefited from medical consultations, dental care, and eye services. Furthermore, the association continues to prioritize scholarship programs for the children of police families, ensuring that educational aspirations are not cut short by a parent's death. Mrs. Disu urged government agencies, corporations, and stakeholders to support these efforts, emphasizing that widows require robust emotional support systems to heal, rebuild their lives, and continue contributing to society.

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Grief is more than financial loss.