It was an evening of relaxation and merriment on Saturday, 1st July, 2017 as the wives of Oyo State Police Officers, under the aegis of Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) Oyo State Chapter put together an event of splendour to celebrate and appreciate their husbands.

The event which was tagged ‘Couples’ Night’ was also organised to honour and pay tribute to Retiring Senior Officers of the Nigerian Police Force, as well as to appreciate the efforts of both retiring and serving Police Officers in the State.

The ‘Couples’ Night’, held at the Oyo State Police Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan witnessed the esteemed presence of the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Abiodun Odude and his wife, the Chairperson of POWA, Mrs Oladunni Odude. The event was also graced by Senior Officers of the Nigerian Police, as well as serving and retiring Police Officers, accompanied by their wives.

                 Pastor (Mrs) Olufunke Adetuberu speaking at the Couples Night

The Guest Speaker of the event, Pastor (Mrs) Olufunke Adetuberu, in her address, exhorted the guests on the importance of having strong healthy relationships with their spouses, noting that one’s mental, emotional and physical wellbeing is affected by the nature of one’s marital relationship. She encouraged the families present at the event to cultivate more loving and healthy relationships with their spouses as well as to create strong bonds with their children.

Oyo State Police Commissioner, Mr Odude delivering his Keynote Address at the event

While delivering his keynote address, the Oyo State Police Commissioner, Mr Odude expressed joy at the efforts of POWA in celebrating their husbands. He noted that the duties of Police Officers are tasking hence, they need a loving home to retire to after the day’s job. He said “Police work is not a 7:30 to 3:30 Ministry work. We resume work early in the morning and close late in the evening. And if you don’t have a wife who understands the nature of your job, it won’t be easy for you to do your job.”

While congratulating the retirees on their retirement from the Force, the Police Commissioner also expressed sadness at the tragedy of some Police Officers who were killed in the line of duty. “It is unfortunate that we sign ‘Dead while in Service’ almost every day in the Police Force. We are not happy to do it, but the stress of the job is not easy. So I want to encourage our wives to ensure that they provide a loving home without confrontations where their husbands can find rest and succour,” said the CP.

               Retiring Police Officer and Wife recieving Gift at the Couples Night

                 Retiring Police Officer and Wife recieving Gift at the Couples Night

The colourful event featured numerous fascinating sessions and activities. The guests were thrilled by captivating dance sessions and hilarious dancing competitions where winners were given numerous prizes. A game session called ‘I know my Spouse’ was played to the delight of the audience as the winning couple went away with a gift. The Police Band was also on ground to honour the guests with musical ovations. Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of gifts to the retiring Police Officers and their families.

                           Chairperson of POWA, Mrs Odude delivering the Vote of Thanks

The Chairperson of POWA, Mrs Odude in her Vote of Thanks, appreciated her husband, the Commissioner of Police for his contributions to the success of the event. She thanked the retirees and serving police officers for gracing the occasion and extended her gratitude to the members of POWA and sponsors of the event for their efforts in making the programme a success.

Speaking to CEOAfrica at the end of the ceremony, the Guest Speaker, Mrs Adetuberu expressed joy at the success of the event. She encouraged Police Officers and their wives to work hard to keep their homes and marriages intact by loving one another and sacrificing personal pleasure for collective happiness.

                           Guests enjoying their Refreshments at the Couples Night

A couple, ASP Olawale Adeyemo and Mrs Adeyemo who spoke to CEOAfrica also stated that the event was fun and interesting. They appreciated the organisers of the event for their thoughtfulness in bringing Police Officers and their wives together under an atmosphere of fun and relaxation.

The Chairperson of POWA, Mrs Odude who also spoke to CEOAfrica advised wives of Police Officers to be patient and smart. She also urged the retirees to impact their communities positively with the experiences they have gathered during their active years in the Force.

                              Guests having fun at the Couples Night

Other guests who spoke to CEOAfrica advised the retirees to enjoy their retirements with their wives and manage their investments efficiently. They also encouraged the retirees to continue the exemplary characters they possess and exhibited as officers of the Nigerian Police Force.