By Adewole Kehinde
“Determination with an optimistic attitude is the key to success,” – Dalai Lama XIV
Just like the American politician, statesman, diplomat, and United States Army officer who was the 65th United States Secretary of State, Colin Powell said, “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.”.
The maiden Police Awards and Commendations ceremony finally became a huge success just as dignitaries across all sectors of the country gathered at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on April 15, 2024, to honour police personnel who have excelled in their respective duties.
I recall during his meeting with Police Strategic Managers on July 3, 2023, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the resuscitation of the awards and commendation system for the Nigeria Police Force, implemented under his administration’s guidance, to enhance motivation and encouragement among police officers.
The Awards and Commendations, which are now historic, mark a significant milestone in the commitment of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to recognise and celebrate the exceptional contributions of officers to public safety, crime prevention, and community engagement.
The uniqueness of the awards and commendations is the presence of the Vice President, Sen. Kassim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The President’s speech titled “Courage Under Fire: A Bouquet for Our Police Force” ignited the night as VP Shettima said that 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.
The three takeaways from the President’s speech are training and capacity-building; the first week of April approved by the federal government to be designated as police week; and the last day of the week as National Police Day.
In his speech, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, said that the Police Awards and Commendations ceremony serves not only as a platform for celebration but also as a reminder of the importance of accountability and responsibility within law enforcement.
I quite agree with the IGP, going by the words of George Bernard Shaw, who says, “We are made wise not by the recollection of our past but by the responsibility for our future.”.
Another unique takeaway from the ceremony is that aside from the 16 individuals who got the awards and commendations, all the nominees went home with a certificate.
When it was the turn of the Senate President to speak, the Congress Hall went agog for the uncommon Senate President.
The 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.
He further stressed that the decision to celebrate the nation’s unsung heroes would pave the way for a new police force in the country.
“The leadership of the police understands the role of the police force in a democratic dispensation.
“I commend the Inspector-General of Police and the police officers for their 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 said.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, commended all the recipients of the Police Awards and Commendation Ceremony.
“Thank you for your service and for continually striving to make our neighbourhoods safer. Your hard work and courage deserve this recognition and more. Please accept my best wishes for continued success and safety as you carry out your vital work.”.
I agreed with General Christopher Musa when he said that police officers are unsung heroes, as each one of them plays a vital role in upholding the values of justice, integrity, and respect for all.
The Chief of Defence Staff reminded me of a great philosopher, Gerard Way, who says, “Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary.”.
I must commend the selection committee for the meticulous work done to arrive at the awardees. This transparent and equitable process ensures that every deserving officer is recognized for their exceptional contributions.
Below are the winners of the maiden awards and commendations ceremony:
1. CSP Odeyeyiwa Oladimeji, winner of Crime Buster of the Year
2. Grade III Alabi Kayode, Traffic Warden of the Year
3. Corporal Abbey Yetunde, Police Sportsman of the Year
4. CP Muhammed Usaini Gumei, Community Policing Advocate of the Year
5. Police SP Haruna Abdullahi (Kano State PPRO): Police Public Relations Officer of the Year
6. ACP Dere Yusuf Olalekan (Medical Officer, Ondo State Command): Police Medical Personnel of the Year
7. ASP Nnamdi Egbunike: Cyber Crime Buster of the Year
8. SP Kasumu Rilwan Oluropo, Investigator of the Year
9. Inspector Onyia Everistus (SCID, Enigi Command): Detective of the Year
10. Patrol Team From 40 PMF (Taraba Command): Patrol Team of the Year
11. CSP Shaba Aliyu, Divisional Police Officer of the Year, DPO
12 ACP Muhammad Z. Musa, Area Commander of the Year
13. ASP Madaki Wisdom Emmanuel, Police Lega Officer of the Year
14. SP Elaigwu Augustine (Commander, Counter-Insurgency/Joint Operation FOB, Aguata Anambra Command): Award for Gallantry
15. All Nominee Winners: SP Idris Ibrahim, SP Okoi Emmanuel Iferi, Counter Intelligence Unit: Award for Integrity
16. CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, Command Commissioner of Police of the Year
A posthumous award and memorial recognition were given to the families of the following officers: the late Bako Angbashim.
I must commend the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and his management team for putting life into the maiden edition of the Police Awards and Commendation Ceremony.
They deserve the accolades of Pope Clement I, who says, “We should let God be the One to praise us and not praise ourselves. God detests those who commend themselves. Let others applaud our good deeds”.
To the Management of Lenders Consult International, I will also leave you with the words of Dwayne Johnson, who says, “Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.”
To the awardees, I will say in the voice of Dr. Seuss, “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to great places! You’re off and away!”
On a final note, I am privileged to hear that the next edition will attract awardees from the media especially those who have been propagating the vision of the Nigeria police; to make Nigeria safer and more secure for economic development and growth; to create a safe and secured environment for everyone living in Nigeria.
Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters and can be reached via 08166240846. Email: kennyadewole@gmail.com
