…….Retired Police Officers remain Heroes of Peace, and the epitome of sacrifice says Arase
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has saluted the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, PSC, Dr Solomon Arase, for initiating the Police Veterans’ Foundation, aimed at improving the welfare of police retirees and renewing their hopes to live out their lives in dignity and comfort.
The President, who was represented by the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said that supporting and assisting the police veterans is rather a moral imperative and not obligatory on the government at all levels, including well-meaning members of society.
According to him, “it is incumbent on us, therefore, to acknowledge the efforts, heroism, and sacrifice made by those who gave their all so that we may have peace and security in Nigeria. One of such responsibilities is supporting and sustaining the Police Veterans’ Foundation to enable the attainment of its noble objectives of giving a better life and hope to our police retired officers that will cushion the effects and burdens of post-service challenges.
“As the President of our dear country, I will not only give my full support to the Veterans Foundation but will also ensure that such areas as improving the pension and severance packages of retired police officers are immediately reviewed to reflect the enormity of their contributions and commitment to our country. Also, administrative processes towards the issuance of an executive order will be immediately initiated to set aside a day, perhaps March 5th (the launch of the Veterans’ Foundation) or April 1st April (being the date that the hitherto existing police forces of the Northern and Southern provinces were amalgamated to form a unified Nigeria Police Force), as National Police and Veterans’ Day in Nigeria., he said.
Chairman of the Police Service Commission, PSC, Dr Solomon Arase, said that the foundation would serve as a beacon of support and solidarity, reinforcing the enduring legacy of service, loyalty, hard work, and commitment that defines the Nigeria Police Force.
According to him, the retired police officers whose welfare we seek to improve through the establishment and launch of this foundation are our national heroes.
Arase said the retired officers had remained heroes of peace and the epitome of sacrifice who had demonstrated professionalism under the most trying circumstances, putting their lives on the line for the country.
According to him, “We should, therefore, be constantly inspired by the commitments and courage of our retired officers. I consider this an inescapable call to national duty for senior citizens to be shown love, assistance, and support as our collective token of appreciation.
“The foundation represents a historic moment as it signifies commitment and an eloquent testament to address the pressing needs of retired officers and their families.”.
He said the inauguration of the foundation was a golden opportunity for Nigerians to commemorate the incredible bravery and strength of retired police officers.
Dr Arase said it was also an opportunity for citizens to express their gratitude to the noblemen and women who dedicated their youthful zest, intelligence, and vigour to the peace and security of the country.
According to him, “As we mobilise support and assistance for retired police officers, it is important to note that this noble project cannot be actualized without understanding, cooperation, and love from the public.
“I therefore urge everyone to get involved in this noble act of humanity and humaneness by supporting the foundation and putting smiles on the faces of our veterans.
“This will not only help them to age gracefully in comfort and dignity but will also spur serving police officers to greater dedication and commitment,” he added.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the foundation, Mr. Yusufu Aminu, said the foundation was created to improve the living conditions of police officers at retirement.
He said the foundation would create a platform for the retired officers to meet at regular intervals to discuss common challenges among the retirees to resolve the challenges.
Aminu said the focus of the foundation would be in the areas of health, group insurance, skill acquisition, business development, and counselling for retired officers.
