President Bola Tinubu on Monday declared the first week of April as Police Week, with the last day of the week, April 7, labelled National Police Day.
He premised this on the administration’s drive to honour the sacrifices of the men and women who serve the country in the decades-old institution.
Tinubu announced the new national day when he appeared as a special guest at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations ceremony at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
He declared, “In our tradition of honouring the Police Force in the life of this great nation, we have approved the adoption of the first week of April as Police Week.
“Furthermore, the last day of the week, April 7, is hereby declared National Police Day in Nigeria.”
The President who was represented by his Vice, Kashim Shettima, opined that a complete overhaul of the institutional mentality and memory of police officers is the most sustainable pathway to transform the Nigeria Police Force into a modern, professional and accountable institution.
Therefore, he emphasised 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.
Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, revealed this in a statement he signed late Monday titled, ‘We will transform Nigeria police into modern, professional force – President Tinubu.’
Tinubu noted that his administration had been unequivocal about its resolve to transform the Nigeria Police Force into “a modern, professional, and accountable institution that mirrors the aspirations and values” of the nation.
He continued: “Our idea of a modern police force goes beyond superficial changes like repainting office buildings and residences or simply procuring firearms.
“True reform of our security doctrine and its architecture necessitates recognising the importance of administering justice and adhering to our ethical values to foster stability and order in the nation.
“The transformation we seek must transcend mere policy and infrastructure; it requires a fundamental overhaul of our institutional mentality and memory.”
He itemised part of the comprehensive reforms by his administration to rejuvenate the police force to include investment in training and capacity-building.
This, Tinubu argued, will ensure that police officers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, and expertise required to tackle the complex challenges of modern policing, assuring that the government will upgrade equipment and technology to enhance the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the force.
He noted that such reforms include “acquiring fit-for-purpose equipment, weapons, ammunition, and armoured carriers to provide cover and protection for officers in combat situations.”
“These endeavours will be supported by suitable measures to enhance the status of our officers and personnel both during their service and after retirement,” he added.
In his speech titled ‘Courage Under Fire: A Bouquet for Our Police Force,’ Tinubu reminded the policemen and women of their special place in the nation’s fabric saying, “Tonight, I must remind you that we don’t see you as just the shields of the nation. We don’t see you as robots. This is why we are here. We are here to humanise you.”
“Your exemplary valour doesn’t only represent the pinnacle of patriotism that binds us but also instills confidence that brighter days lie just beyond the horizon,” President Tinubu added.
In his goodwill message, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for recognising the hard work, resilience and patriotism of the officers and men of the police force.
Akpabio expressed his delight and that of the National Assembly for celebrating the well-deserved officers of the force, insisting that the bad eggs must be “weeded out”.
“The leadership of the police understands the role of the police force in a democratic dispensation.
“I commend the Inspector General of Police and I commend the police officers for the work of sacrifice and for maintaining peace and order in our communities,” the Senate President remarked.
“As we commend the good officers, let us weed out the bad ones among the police force,” Akpabio stated.
Earlier in his welcome address, IGP Egbetokun praised President Tinubu for his support of the force, as well as his administration’s efforts in ensuring the nation’s security forces are up to their game.
He assured recipients of the awards and commendations 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, Solomon Arase, advocated an improved welfare package for men and women of the Nigeria Police Force, noting that enhanced well-being of the personnel would improve their overall performance in securing lives and property.
Those who also delivered goodwill messages were Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf; Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and former IGP, Sunday Ehindero.
Other dignitaries present at the event include Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau; Minister of State, Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Abdulhamid Madori, and Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Makki Yalleman.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja; former IGPs, Mike Okiro and Baba Alkali, and the Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, were also present.
