President Declares April 7 National Police Day

The Nigerian Police Force is in for a massive presidential intervention, becoming “a modern, professional and accountable institution,” per Premium Times. Speaking on Monday night during the maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the president stressed that men and women of the force should be engaged in training and capacity-building in order to equip them with expertise needed to effectively discharge their duties in the light of modern policing.

Represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Mr President explained why the federal government approved the first week of April as police week and the last day of the week, being April 7, as National Police Day in Nigeria.
“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 7th of April, 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 humanize you,” he assured.

The vice president, in the president’s speech entitled, “Courage under Fire: A Bouquet for Our Police Force,” said that 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.
“Your exemplary valour doesn’t only represent the pinnacle of patriotism that binds us but also instils confidence that brighter days lie just beyod the horizon,” the president observed.

The president listed part of the comprehensive reforms by his administration rejuvenate the police force to include investment in training and capacity-building.

“This includes acquiring fit-for-purpose equipment, weapons, ammunition and armoured carriers …. 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

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, inhis goodwill message, commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP, Kayode Egbetokun for recognizing the hardwork, resilience and patriotism.
“The leadership of the police understands the role of police in a democratic dispensaton…. As we commend the good officers, let us weed out the bad ones” the senate president instructed.
While the IGP commended the recipients of the awards, he assured them that their contributions to the police force will be remembered for many years to come, adding that their “dedication, courage, and selflessness are truly inspiring.”

Present on the occasion were dignitaries of reputable rankings: Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, former IGP Mike Okiro, former IGP Baba Alkali, Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, among many eminent others.