The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has approved a request by the Police Officers’ Wives’ Association (POWA) for land to establish a Skill Acquisition Centre in the state.
The Governor granted this approval when he received the wife of the Inspector General of Police and President of POWA, Mrs. Elizabeth Egbetokun, and her delegation, who were on a working visit to the state, at his Nvosi Country home on Friday.
“It is on that note that I want to give assent to your request to set up a Skill Acquisition Centre. You can take it for granted that it has been approved,” Governor Otti stated.
He added that his government would support the project further by providing manpower if needed and highlighted his administration’s preference for empowerment programs that provide skills for sustainable livelihoods.
“We want to underscore the point that for us here in Abia, we like to support empowerment but the empowerment we like to support is not necessarily giving fish but teaching people how to fish,” he said.
The Governor also commended the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, and his team for ensuring peace and security in the state.
“By the grace of God, with the work of your husband and his team and other members of the security, we have enjoyed relative peace and order in Abia State.
As a government, we are very determined to support the men that work for us. So, in addition to whatever is done at the centre for us, we sit down and design the architecture in such a way that it would work for us, and we work very closely with the Police Force,” said Otti.
Mrs. Elizabeth Egbetokun, in her remarks, appreciated Governor Otti for his efforts in improving the infrastructure and the economy of Abia State.
She explained that POWA focuses on empowering women and children, particularly the families of fallen police officers, by equipping them with skills that ensure lifelong income opportunities.
“It is heartwarming that the fallen heroes amongst the members of the Police Force are not forgotten and that you have come to reach out to members of the POWA and LAPOWA,” Otti added, commending POWA’s dedication to supporting police families.
According to the delegation, the proposed Skill Acquisition Centre, once established, will provide training opportunities for police officers’ wives and children, which aligns with Governor Otti’s goal of empowering citizens and enhancing livelihoods in Abia State.