Governor Commends Police for Commitment to Public Safety
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State recently commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies for their hard work, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to public safety. His remarks were made during the closing ceremony of a two-week intelligence training program for newly recruited police constables in Ilorin, the state capital.
The event highlighted the importance of professional development and capacity building within the police force. The training, organized by the Kwara State Command, saw the participation of 142 constables. The governor, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Security, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu, pledged continued support for the police and promised to strengthen the agency’s capacity to combat crime effectively.
A Covenant of Service
During his address, the governor emphasized the sacred nature of the police officers’ calling. He urged the new recruits to view their roles as a covenant with the people of the country. “As you step into the field, remember the oath you swore to the people of our country,” he said. He further encouraged them to make a difference in how the police are perceived by the public, stating, “Let integrity be your compass, courage your fuel, and service your legacy.”
AbdulRazaq expressed satisfaction with the skills the new recruits had gained, including threat assessment, source handling, digital forensics, and community intelligence. He noted that these skills would help turn raw information into tools for enhancing public safety. “I charge you to see every patrol, every report, every quiet conversation as a patriotic duty to our fatherland,” he added.
The Weight of Responsibility
The governor also stressed the critical role that police officers play in maintaining national stability. “Nigeria’s stability rests on your shoulders,” he said. He explained that a constable who spots and acts on a suspicious movement in Ilorin today could prevent a crisis anywhere else in the country tomorrow. “Your badge is not a mere metal; it is a covenant with the citizens of this country who sleep better because you are awake,” he concluded.
He called on the public to continue supporting the government and security agencies in their efforts to strengthen security and promote peace in the state.
Strengthening Professionalism and Discipline
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara, Adekimi Ojo, highlighted the objectives of the training program. He stated that the initiative was designed to strengthen professionalism, discipline, and operational efficiency, which are key pillars of modern policing. Ojo praised the participants for their steadfastness throughout the exercise and encouraged them to translate the knowledge they acquired into practical actions at their respective duty posts.
“You have demonstrated the zeal to learn, adapt, and uphold the core values of integrity, courage, and respect for human rights,” he said. He reminded the recruits that their daily conduct and interactions with the public should reflect the knowledge and skills they gained. “Remember, you are ambassadors of the force and the face of policing in our communities,” he added.
Acknowledging Leadership and Support
Ojo also thanked the governor for funding the training and for his consistent support of the state police command in carrying out its duties effectively across the state. He extended his gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for his visionary leadership and commitment to entrenching professionalism among officers of all ranks.
“The IGP’s dedication to excellence in policing has inspired programmes such as this,” Ojo said. He emphasized that the training was a testament to the collaborative efforts between the state government and the national police force to ensure a safer environment for all citizens.
Conclusion
The training program marked a significant step forward in equipping new police constables with the necessary skills to perform their duties effectively. It also underscored the importance of collaboration between government officials, security agencies, and the public in fostering a secure and stable society. With continued investment in training and support, the police force can better serve the needs of the people and uphold the values of justice and integrity.