By NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, over the initiative to honour and award officers including the General Overseer of the Omega Power Ministry, Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere.
Tinubu, who was represented by the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, gave the commendation at the second edition of Police Awards And Commendation Night in Abuja.
“Let me begin by commending the leadership of the Police Force for a successful institutionalisation of this noble initiative; one that not only recognises, but honours courage, dedication and integrity in policing.
“Through this ceremony, the Nigeria Police Force celebrate officers, who have gone beyond the call of duty, but demonstrated rear professionalism and continued to embodied the values of service, honour and nationhood.
“I am particularly pleased to note that the significance of the first edition of this awards lay the foundation of this declaration for the historic declaration of April 7 as ‘National Police Day’ in Nigeria.
“The first observance early this year marked the new chapter in the story of the Nigeria Police; one that enshrined respect, recognition and national respect on the sacrifices of our fallen heros.
“Our Police Officers continue to play a very central role in enforcing laws and orders, upholding justice and fostering trust between the states and its citizens,”Tinubu said.
He stressed that his administration remained steadfast in its commitment to the transformation of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies.
Tinubu noted that his administration perfectly understood that modern policing demand modern tools, continuous training, intelligence lead strategies and community partnership.
He noted that the federal government would continue to invest in the provision of technological support, capacity building programmes and welfare schemes to enhance the operation and boost moral across rank and file.
“While the federal government will continue to do its parts, I must charge every police officer, in spite of rank and posting, to uphold the trust bestowed upon you by the Nigerian people.
“Be reminded that your power is not for intimidation, but protection, not for abuse, but for service to fatherland.
“You must be guided by the highest standard of accountability and professionalism, uphold the rule of law, protect the rights of every citizen and reject all forms of misconduct and corruption,”Tinubu said.
Also speaking, Egbetokun said the awards ranged from patrol officers to investigative officers that sacrifice their sleeps to keep us safe.
“Nomination came from the remotest police outpost to the Headquarters. Our collation committee in partnership with Lender Consult International ensured that each nomination was scrutinised with fairness and fidelity.
“Decisions made were just. The awardees did not apply for this. They earned it. I want to urge the awardees that let your honour be a touch of shining examples to others, and to those not awarded tonight, let this ceremony steer your ambition.
“Excellence is not a finished line, is a daily standard; we expect nothing less.”
The police boss extended gratitude to the families of fallen heroes, adding that the force is not blind to challenges, but will continue to evolve to adopt to global best practices.
Also speaking, Chinyere, who was the only civilian among the police officers awarded said, “I feel honored and motivated. This will propel me to do more.
“I think, I was awarded because of my activities, such as given scholarships to children of fallen heroes in the police force, rehabilitation and building of houses for widows of police officers.
“Other activities include donations, building of police stations, and gifts to widows during and after the COVID-19 era and many humanitarian endeavours targeted at the general public and police.
“The salary of the police in other country is high. If they can increase their salary in Nigeria, they will be motivated,”Chinyere said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event attracted dignitaries from the defence and security sector of the country. (NAN)
