… Holds Interactive Session with PENCOM, Police Pension Officials on Improved Retirement Benefits
In a landmark event that signals a new chapter in the Nigeria Police Force’s pursuit of professionalism and institutional integrity, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, today presided over the decoration of the Police Officers of the Year 2023 and 2024 at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The officers, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Shaba Aliyu and Superintendent of Police (SP) Sentome Obi, were publicly honoured for their exceptional courage, professionalism, and service. CSP Aliyu was decorated as the Police Officer of the Year 2023, while SP Obi clinched the honour for 2024. According to the IGP, their emergence followed a deliberately rigorous and merit-driven process, devoid of external influence or sentiment.
Addressing a packed audience of senior officers, stakeholders, and media, IGP Egbetokun stated, “Today, we are not merely decorating officers; we are defining a legacy. This moment marks a strategic departure from the shadows of mediocrity. It is a reaffirmation of our core values: excellence, integrity, merit, and national pride.”
He revealed that both officers were selected from among nominees across multiple categories during the fiercely contested 2023 and 2024 award years. “They rose to the top, not by accident, not by favour, but by merit,” he affirmed.
The IGP used the occasion to reiterate his administration’s commitment to institutional reform and a transparent reward system. He cited a recent policy decision under his watch, where winners of the Police Officer of the Year award, as well as officers who secure IGP commendations or category awards in two consecutive years, would be recommended to the Police Service Commission for accelerated promotion.
“This policy was not issued for applause,” the IGP stressed. “It was born of conviction, and today, we are living it out in full view of the nation.”
IGP Egbetokun noted that out of over 300,000 officers, only 38 met the stringent criteria for accelerated promotion, an outcome he described as both inspiring and proof that “promotion is no longer about who you know, but about what you contribute.”
He also announced that the portraits of the honourees will be mounted not only at the Force Headquarters but also across all Zonal and State Commands to inspire a culture of excellence across ranks.
“This is not mere symbolism; it is a national call to aspiration. To every officer watching, listening or reading these remarks: It is their day today; it could be yours tomorrow,” he charged.
In a clear message to critics and purveyors of disinformation, particularly on social media, the IGP warned that the Force will not be deterred by falsehoods or sabotage. “Your lies will not derail our reforms. Your noise will not drown our resolve. The Nigeria Police Force is moving forward, with or without your approval,” he declared firmly.
To the newly decorated officers, IGP Egbetokun offered both praise and a reminder: “Your new ranks carry a heavier burden, not just a higher badge. The expectations are greater. But I trust you will rise to meet them.”
Concluding his remarks, the IGP restated his commitment to transforming the Force into an institution where service commands pride, and promotion is an outcome of proven performance.
“We will not stop until every officer becomes a beacon of national confidence,” he said.
The ceremony marks a defining moment in the ongoing reform agenda under IGP Egbetokun, further solidifying his vision of a merit-based and performance-driven police force.
In a similar development, the IGP received a delegation of senior officials of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) led by the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms Omolola B. Oluworaran, and the Managing Director of NPF Pensions Limited, Mr Kolade Morakinyo, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. The visit included an interactive session which lasted for hours and had in attendance senior officers from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police and above.
The interactive session critically addressed major concerns of serving and retired officers towards improved retirement benefits. The IGP is optimistic that in no distant time, all the efforts to ameliorate the pitiable conditions of retired officers will yield positive results.
The Inspector-General of Police once again reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to improved welfare packages for both serving and retired officers. He further reiterated the commitment of the leadership of the Force to emplacing a Force that is professionally competent, service-driven, rule of law compliant and people-friendly.
