President Bola Tinubu on Monday reassured the commitment of the Federal Government’s to the provisions of improved welfare for the Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) unrecognition of their efforts towards the nation’s security.
President Tinubu gave the assurance while speaking through the Vice President Kashim Shettima at the maiden Edition of National Police Day Celebration held at the Eagle Square Abuja.
The President declared that “the federal government stands in solidarity with the Nigeria Police Force in its unwavering committed to the security of the nation.
He pledged to ensure that “there is adequate housing and quality healthcare for all serving officers and men of the Force and urged them to continue to give their best to service of the nation in the interest of all and sundry.
President Tinubu had on April 15th, 2024, during the Award and Commendation Ceremony of the , proclaimed the first week of April of every year as the Police week and made the historic declaration of April 7th as the National Police Day.
Speaking at the occasion,the Inspector-General of Police IGP, Dr Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun reiterated the need for preservation of national unity amidst tensions and threat of attacks in different parts of Nigeria resulting from insecurity, criminal activities of bandits and hoodlums and high cost of living.
He stated that the Special Day to celebrate the NPF as proclaimed by President Tinubu was is not mere ceremonial rather” it is a testament to the inestimable value of the Nigeria Police Force to the preservation of national unity and democratic stability.
He acknowledged the indispensable support of various communities and strategic partners who continue to collaborate with the Police in its collective drive for a safer society.
According to him, ” this special day provides a solemn opportunity to remember fallen heroes; men and women who paid the ultimate price in service of our dear.” nation.
“The declaration of April 7th as National Police Day is not a mere ceremonial gesture; it is a testament to the inestimable value of the Nigeria Police Force to the preservation of national unity and democratic stability.
“It is a bold affirmation of your administration’s support for institutional reform and capacity enhancement of our personnel. This gesture serves as a tremendous boost to our morale and reinforces our collective resolve to discharge our duties with renewed vigour and unwavering integrity.
“Their memories remain indelibly etched in our hearts. To their families, we say your pain is our burden. We offer our deepest sympathies and unwavering support. These fallen officers remain the eternal symbols of national sacrifice.
“As we remember our fallen officers, we also celebrate the heroism of serving officers who continue to brave great risks in the course of duty. Your resilience and dedication amidst the complexities of contemporary security challenges inspire confidence and hope. We likewise acknowledge the indispensable support of our communities and strategic partners who continue to collaborate with us in our collective drive for a safer society,” he said.
The legacy of policing in Nigeria dates back to 1861 when the British colonial administration established a constabulary in Lagos to maintain law and order; an event that laid the foundation for modern-day policing in our country. Over time, this modest beginning evolved into a robust national institution, culminating in the formal establishment of the Nigeria Police Force on 1st April, 1930.
This transformation signifies our nation’s relentless pursuit of order, unity, and national security. Over the years, several security and intelligence agencies emerged from the roots of the Nigeria Police Force. With many benefiting from the leadership of officers trained and nurtured within our ranks.
He also commended the heroism of serving officers who continue to brave great risks in the course of duty of policing the nooks and crannies of the nation.
He added that the resilience and dedication amidst the complexities of contemporary security challenges inspire confidence and hope.
He acknowledged the Federal Government’s ongoing support towards repositioning the Nigeria Police Force.
He also stated that the government’s investments in training, modern equipment, and institutional reform are significantly improving operational capacity of the lead internal security agency.
The IGP also hinted that he initiated strategic policies and programmes focused on capacity building, ethics and attitudinal reorientation, modernisation of operational tools, and enhanced transparency and accountability.
The Nigeria Police Force he added is embracing technology, intelligence-led policing, and community engagement as cornerstones of our service delivery model.
He assured that the leadership of the Police Force is aware of the evolving nature of security threats and the growing expectations of our citizens.
The IGP pledged to deepen Police reforms, reinforce it’s bond with the communities it serves and remain steadfast in its mission to protect life and property across the length and breadth of the nation.
He also appreciated the collaborative work relations with other security agencies even as he thanked the National Assembly for its legislative commitment to strengthening the Police Force institutional framework.
The event featured various activities by the various departments of the Force, Match past by police personnel, other security agencies.
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