*IGP Kayode Egbetokun
By Charles Nwagbara
One thing Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police (IGP) will be remembered for by the rank and file of the Force he commands, is his prioritizing of the welfare of police officers by advocating for better working conditions, training opportunities, improving benefits for the personnel and his reward system instituted via the Police Awards and Commendations.
In 2024, in partnership with the Shina Phillips-led Lenders Consult International, Egbetokun inaugurated the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations. On the inauguration, he listed the significance of recognizing officers’ hard work and dedication through awards and commendations, as well as how these gestures can positively impact their morale and commitment to their duties.
While introducing the Awards and Commendations project at a press briefing addressed on his behalf by the Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in March 2024 at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Egbetokun said the “historic event, marks a significant milestone to his commitment to recognizing and celebrating the exceptional contributions of officers to public safety, crime prevention, and community engagement”.
“The ceremony will serve as a platform to honour the bravery, dedication, and professionalism exhibited by our officers in the line of duty. It represents a continuation of the transformative agenda set forth by the IGP to foster a culture of excellence, integrity, and accountability within the Force”.
Adejobi noted that in Egbetokun’s inaugural address to officers, the 22nd Indigenous Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, had articulated a visionary approach to reward and recognition, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the invaluable contributions made by officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, leading to the implementation of a new recognition and reward system, designed to motivate and inspire the personnel to strive for greatness.
Awards and commendations such as this, serve as a form of recognition and validation of an officer’s efforts and achievements. In a demanding and often stressful profession like law enforcement, where officers are constantly facing challenging situations and putting their lives on the line, receiving acknowledgment for their hard work can be incredibly motivating. Awards and commendations are a way of saying “thank you” and showing appreciation for the sacrifices and dedication of police officers. This recognition can go a long way in boosting their morale and reinforcing their sense of purpose and worth.
Again, by recognizing and rewarding exceptional performance, agencies can incentivize officers to strive for excellence and continuous improvement in their work. This can lead to a culture of continuous learning and development within the force, where officers are encouraged to push themselves beyond their limits and reach their full potential. In this way the Nigeria Police awards and commendations serve as a powerful tool for motivating officers to excel in their roles and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the police force.
At the maiden ceremony which held at the Transcorp Hilton, the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony recognized individuals across various categories, including Crime Buster of the Year, Investigator of the Year, Cybercrime Buster of the Year, Community Policing Advocate of the Year, and Police Public Relations Officer of the Year, among others. Awards were also presented for Gallantry, Integrity, and the Best Police Command in the country. Additionally, a special tribute was paid to an officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty with a Posthumous Award.
The selection process for the awards involve nominations from all levels of the Police Force, followed by a meticulous review by a collation committee comprising senior officers and representatives from Lenders Consult International. This transparent and equitable process ensures that every deserving officer is duly recognized for their exceptional contributions.
At the threshold of the second edition(2.0) of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations which is scheduled to hold on 4th June 2025 at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja, Nigerians cannot wait to join in celebrating the men and women who toiled to uphold the safety of lives and properties of our compatriots in the past year.
Already, Egbetokun’s foresight has even led to more attention to the welfare of Nigeria Police Force by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu himself. Last year, the President declared April 7 as the ‘National Police Day’ in furtherance to calling attention to the heroic duties of officers and men of the Nigeria Police. This proclamation is viewed with a sense of pride among the Police force and a strong reward for the Police duty.
This attention aligns with Egbetokun’s belief that when officers are motivated and inspired by recognition for their hard work, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their duties. This can result in better service to the larger society.
*Charles Nwagbara is Editor, thebladengr.com
