The National President of the Police Officers' Wives Association (POWA), Chief Mrs Olufunmilola Mutiat Disu, has called for mental healthcare to be integrated into police welfare programmes, stating that the psychological impact of policing often extends beyond the workplace. She made the appeal while delivering a goodwill message at the Mental Health Conference Nigeria 2026, hosted by Safehaven Wellness Centre under the theme "From Awareness to Action: Transforming Mental Health Care in Nigeria."
Trauma Follows Officers Home
Disu said police officers regularly face violence, loss and life-threatening situations, and that the emotional weight of those experiences does not remain at the station. She explained that families often struggle to cope when officers return home emotionally distant.
"Sometimes, an officer returns home physically present but emotionally absent. The day's trauma follows them home, leaving families struggling to understand what has changed and how to help," she said.
Call for Accessible Counselling
Disu argued that protecting officers cannot be limited to physical safety. She said spouses and children often bear the burden of emotional changes brought on by the pressures of service, yet receive little formal support. She called for accessible counselling services, supportive workplace policies and institutional structures designed to make seeking help less difficult.
The POWA president also urged Nigerians to drop the stigma that prevents people from speaking openly about their mental health struggles. She stated that family welfare should cover more than financial and material needs, stressing that professional counselling and emotional care must be part of the package offered to police households.
No One Should Wait to Break
Disu added that mental health challenges cut across all sections of society, from young people dealing with uncertainty to parents navigating economic pressure. She insisted that no one should have to deteriorate before help becomes available.
"You do not have to break before you deserve help, and you do not have to suffer in silence to prove your strength. Seeking help is not surrender; it is courage," she said.
POWA Reaffirms Commitment
Reaffirming POWA's commitment to police family welfare, Disu called on institutions, communities and stakeholders to turn awareness into practical action by building environments where people can seek care without fear of judgement or discrimination. She concluded that prioritising mental health was not just a matter of individual wellbeing but a foundation for stronger communities and a healthier nation overall.
