In the face of adversity, Nigeria police officers have continually displayed dedication, sacrifice, and exceptional performance on a daily basis. Their tireless efforts deserve not just acknowledgment, but sincere appreciation.
The new Recognition and Reward system which was recently announced by IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, heralds a transformative era in the Force, aiming not only to celebrate outstanding achievements but also to cultivate a culture of excellence that inspires others to strive for greatness.
The Nigeria Police Awards and Commendation Night which marks an opportunity for the force to shine a spotlight on those individuals who have distinguished themselves through their outstanding contributions to public safety, crime prevention, and community engagement.
These officers exemplify the core values of integrity, courage, and selflessness, and their dedication to serving and protecting our communities deserve our utmost admiration and gratitude.
The Award Ceremony which is scheduled to hold on Friday 5th April 2024 at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Abuja will attract dignitaries in the security circle and senior security managers of the Force especially the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony is going to be a night of glory, a night history would be made and indeed, a night to remember.
Announcing this award and Commendation ceremony in Abuja, the Force Public Relations Offocer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said this renewed commendation system represents a significant advancement from the past. It now covers all officers involved in every major case, moving away from solely focusing on arresting officers or commanders.
“The new system is in line with Section 92 of the Police Act 2020, and Order 68 of the Force Orders and Instructions. It will be a milestone in recognising the collective efforts of all officers in upholding law and order in the nation.
The new awards and commendation system will provide a fair platform for officers to be recognised and rewarded for their exceptional dedication and performance without relying solely on special promotions. The IGP envisions a renewed sense of pride and dedication among police officers as they know their hard work and dedication will be acknowledged and celebrated appropriately.
Speaking to journalists, the Managing Director, Lenders Consult International Mr. Shina Phillips said "this Award and Commendation ceremony is not just about acknowledging the achievements of our police officers; it is also about celebrating the partnerships and collaborations that have been instrumental in advancing our collective mission of ensuring the safety and security of every citizen.
"We will recognize the invaluable support of our stakeholders, including community leaders and the media, whose collaboration and cooperation have been vital in our efforts to uphold law and order."
To consolidate on this lofty inaugural policy drive, the Inspector-General of Police has approved the organisation of the maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony in conjunction with Lenders Consult International, a private entity and a critical stakeholder in the Nigerian security space.
The award process for the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendation is unique. Nominations were invited from all police formations including Force Headquarters, Zonal Headquarters, State Commands, Area Commands, Divisional Headquarters and all police sections and departments.
Thereafter, a collation committee comprising some senior officers of the Force and representatives of Lenders Consult International who have over 10 years of experience in organizing transparent and credible awards in the country. This meticulous process assisted in insulating the award decisions from undue interferences and bias which often characterizes competitive awards such as this.
Through this transparent and equitable system, every police officer involved in significant accomplishments will be identified and duly rewarded. Whether through commendations, special assignments, or other tangible incentives, the contributions of our officers will be acknowledged and celebrated. This proactive approach fosters an environment where merit is recognized and excellence is cultivated.
It is firmly believed that the implementation of this system will not only elevate the morale of our officers but also nurture their professional growth. By providing tangible recognition for their efforts, we create a sense of pride and purpose within the Force, motivating officers to continually strive for improvement. In doing so, we pave the way for a more efficient and effective Police Force — one that serves our nation with unparalleled dedication and pride.
Awards will be presented to the 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. Other award categories include Police Medical Personnel of the Year, Traffic Warden of the Year, Police Sports Person of the Year and the Award for the Best Police Command in the country.
Awards will also be presented for Gallantry and Integrity while the most outstanding police officer for the year will be recognized and honoured. An officer who died in the line of duty will be honoured with a Posthumous Award.
However, amidst our celebration of excellence, it is crucial to acknowledge that the Inspector General’s of Police commitment to maintaining the integrity of the force extends beyond recognition.
As part of this commitment, the force remains vigilant in sanctioning those who have acted unprofessionally or in violation of the code of conduct in the course of their duties. The Awards Night serves not only as a platform for celebration but also as a reminder of the importance of accountability and responsibility within law enforcement.
The Nigeria Police extends its gratitude to all those who have contributed to ensure the Awards and Commendation Ceremony is a success, including the organizing committee, sponsors, and volunteers. Your support is invaluable in honouring our deserving officers and fostering a culture of excellence within the force.