…..As IGP Egebtokun, Dignitaries Unveil New Force Gender Policy.
First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, opened a three-day International Association of Women Police Africa Chapter Training Conference 2024 on Tuesday, marking a significant step towards promoting gender sensitivity and empowerment.
The conference aims to bring together women in law enforcement worldwide to exchange best practices, insights, and strategies for advancing women’s roles in policing and enhancing their contributions to national security.
First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu was represented by the wife of the Minister of Works, Mrs. Rachel Umahi at the ceremonious opening at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Abuja.
The first lady said that the theme of the IAWP conference, “Addressing Africa’s Security Challenges and Safety Through Collaboration and Inclusivity” was apt.
Tinubu, who said the conference’s theme was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, added that security was the bedrock of development.
According to her, it is imperative to tackle the multifaceted challenges of insecurity by fostering collaboration and inclusiveness.
“In aligning with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, this conference emboldened our national commitment to revitalise and strengthen our institutions to better serve the people.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda emphasises inclusivity, transparency and accountability which are crucial to addressing security challenges effectively.
“Through this agenda, Nigeria is working to build a society where law enforcement agencies operate with the highest standard of professionalism and integrity,” she said.
In his remark, the IGP said that the conference was timely as the Nigeria Police Force advanced in its commitment to promote gender equality within the police force.
Egbetokun said that the conference had brought together outstanding women police officers and law enforcement officials from across Africa and beyond.
He emphasised that the experiences to be shared at the conference would be crucial in offering solutions to security challenges in the region.
He said that the IAWP had played a vital role in empowering and supporting women officers through collaboration and knowledge sharing.
The conference themed “Addressing Africa’s Security Challenges and Safety through Collaboration and Inclusivity” aims at training women police and other security and law enforcement officers and equipping them with the knowledge and skills for battling crimes and security threats in a modern and evolving society, most especially at their various regions on the African Continent.
The nominees for the training program include 520 delegates from over 18 African countries including Nigeria, Angola, Botswana, Ghana, Liberia, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Niger, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Congo.
Other dignitaries at the event include the former Vice President of Liberia, United Nations Representatives, the Minister of State Police Affairs, the Minister of State for the FCT, the Chairman Senate Committee on Police Affairs, the Chairman House Committee on Police Institutions, and other strategic stakeholders.
The Chief Host of this conference, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, as part of his vision of reform policies for the Nigeria Police Force, launched the NPF Gender Policy which would ensure gender sensitivity and inclusivity in the policy and operations of the Nigeria Police Force. The IGP further reassures the commitment of the present police leadership to gender inclusivity at all levels.
The conference signifies a great milestone in the achievement of a modern police force that is gender-sensitive, gender-inclusive and consequently progressive.