Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has approved the allocation of land for the establishment of a Skill Acquisition Center aimed at empowering Police Officers’ Wives with skills that ensure sustainable income opportunities.
Governor Otti gave the approval, Friday, when he received the delegation of the Police Officers’ Wives’ Association (POWA), led by her National President, Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Egbetokun who was on a working visit to the State.
The Governor who noted that his administration is commitment to sustainable development, emphasized the need to empower individuals with skills so as to enable them fend for themselves and become self-reliant.
He assured that the State Government would provide support, including supervision through the Direct Labour Agency of the Ministry of Works.
“I want to also note that this visit is coming on the heels of the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day that we just concluded two days ago.
“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 POWA and the Late Police Officers’ Wives Association, (LAPOWA).
“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.
“We believe in teaching people how to fish rather than just giving them fish. When you empower individuals with skills, they can fend for themselves and become self-reliant.
“It is on that note that I want to give assent to your request to set up a Skill Acquisition Center. You can take it for granted that it has been approved,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor commended the collaborative efforts between the State Government, Police Force, and the IGP, Mr Kayode Egbetokun which he said has contributed to the relative peace in Abia State.
“Our people are very hospitable and by the Grace of God, the work of your husband and his team and other members of the security we have enjoyed relative peace in Abia State
“I said relative because there is no place where there is absolute peace. When you compare us with some parts of the country I think we have a better story to tell”, the Governor said.
Governor Otti expressed his determination to maintain strong partnerships with Security Agencies to enhance the State’s Security architecture and achieve a more secured and peaceful Abia state.
“We are not resting on our oars. We will continue to improve to ensure that our people can sleep with their two eyes closed, even if we don’t sleep as people who are serving them,” Gov. Otti assured.
Earlier in her speech, the wife of the Inspector General of Police and President Police Officers’ Wives’ Association (POWA), Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Egbetokun appreciated the remarkable progress made by Governor Alex Otti in road infrastructure and economic well-being of the citizens.
Mrs. Egbetokun POWA disclosed that POWA is dedicated to empowering women and children, especially the families of fallen officers, by equipping them with skills that provide lifelong income opportunities.
She appealed to Governor Otti for assistance in acquiring land for a skill acquisition center that would provide essential training for Women and Children of fallen heroes to enable them have a “live long source of income”.
“We are grateful for your steadfast support and collaboration which had significantly bolstered our efforts. We look forward to your continued partnership as we work together to achieve our shared vision of a thriving and secured Abia State“, Mrs Egbetokun said.
