President Bola Tinubu has identified complete overhaul of institutional mentality and memory of Police officers as fundamental in his administration’s ongoing bid to transform the Nigeria Police Force into a modern, professional and accountable institution.
He said his administration has initiated wide-ranging reforms to revitalise the nation’s police force.
The President who spoke on Monday night during the maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations ceremony in Abuja, stressed the need to engage men and women of the force in training and capacity-building to equip them with the expertise required to carry out the arduous task of modern policing.
President Tinubu, who was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted that the Federal government’s decision to approve the first week of April every year as Police week and the last day of the week as National Police Day, was in recognition of their enormous contributions to peace and security of the nation.
Delivering the President’s speech titled, “Courage Under Fire: A Bouquet for Our Police Force,” VP Shettima said at a time in Nigeria’s history when the nation’s security architecture is being stretched beyond elastic limits, the citizens have been able to endure in the face of security threats as well as attacks on their lives and livelihoods due to the commitment of the Police.
President Tinubu listed part of the comprehensive reforms by his administration to rejuvenate the Police Force to include, investment in training and capacity-building.
In his goodwill message, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for recognising the hard work, resilience and patriotism of the officers and men of the Police Force.
Expressing his delight and that of the National Assembly for celebrating the well-deserved officers of the Force, the Senate President said the decision to celebrate the nation’s unsung heroes will pave way for a new Police Force in the country.
IGP Egbetokun applauded President Tinubu for his support to the Force, as well as his administration’s efforts in ensuring the nation’s security forces are up to thier game.
To the recipients of the awards and commendations, the IGP assured them that their “dedication, courage and selflessness are truly inspiring,” adding that their contributions to the Force will be remembered for many years to come.
On his part, Chairman of the Police Service Commission and former IGP, Mr Solomon Arase, advocated improved welfare package for men and women of the Nigeria Police Force, noting that enhanced wellbeing of the personnel would improve their overall performance in securing lives and property.
Editor: Ken Eseni
