Represented by the Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared April 7 as national police day during the maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations ceremony held in the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. He acknowledged the need to overhaul the institutional mentality of police officers as fundamental in his administration’s ongoing effort to transform the police into a modern, professional and accountable institution in the country.
Tinubu revealed that his administration had initiated wide-ranging reforms to revitalize the nation’s police force since assuming office in 2023.
The Nigerian leader harped on the need to engage men and women of the force in training to improve their capacity in order to equip them with the expertise required to carry out the herculean task of modern policing.
He disclosed that the Federal Government in an effort to make police stand out has approved the first week of every April as police week with the last day of the week as the National Police Day.
In his statement, “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, 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, the April 7th, is hereby declared National Police Day in Nigeria.
“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.
“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.
He added, “Your exemplary valour doesn’t only represent the pinnacle of patriotism that binds us but also instils confidence that brighter days lie just beyond the horizon.”
The president announced that his administration has made a commitment to rejuvinate the police force through enhancing its capacity.
“My administration will ensure that police officers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, values and expertise required to tackle the complex challenges of modern policing.”
He added this will not come without procurement of modern policing technical equipment that will put the policing at par with their international counterpart.
“This includes 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,” President Tinubu said.
In his contribution earlier, the Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, applauded 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.
Akpabio expresses delight that the lawmakers have celebrated some well deserving police officers.
He revealed that the reason for celebrating some deserving heros was to pave way for a new police force in the county.
In his statement, “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.
“As we commend the good officers, let us weed out the bad ones among the Police Force as, to whom much is given, much is expected,” Akpabio added.
