By Ngozi Nwankwo
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has successfully passed 462 cadets from the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano, into the Nigeria Police Force as Assistant Superintendents of Police,ASP, after completing five years of rigorous academic and professional training.
The ceremonial Passing Out Parade (POP), which took place ,7th September, 2024, at the Academy parade ground, had in attendance dignitaries from across the country.
The Police Cadets having engaged in physically exerting and intellectually challenging training activities that were carefully designed to transit them into professional police officers with the right orientation to meet the challenges of policing an increasingly democratic and rule of law-driven Nigerian environment were worthy in learning and character.
In his address, the President represented by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, as the Special Guest of Honour, expressed his confidence in the new officers, urging them to carry out their duties with integrity, professionalism, and respect for human rights.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force in its mission to maintain law and order, while also ensuring the welfare and development of its personnel.
The President also highlighted the ongoing reforms in the security architecture of the nation expressing believe that the newly commissioned ASPs would contribute significantly to bolster the effectiveness of the Police.
The ceremony had in attendance dignitaries from all walks of life including Governors, key officials of the National Assembly, members of Federal and State Executive Councils, heads of military and paramilitary institutions, senior police officers both serving and retired, the Provost and heads of faculties of the academic wing of the Academy, Vice Chancellors from neighbouring tertiary institutions, traditional and religious rulers, policing partners, parents and well-wishers of the cadet officers and other guests.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, appreciates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support in the ongoing drive towards police reformation aimed at bequeathing to our beloved country a reformed and well-positioned Police Force with renewed capacity and commitment to attain its internal security mandate. The IGP similarly lauded the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Dr. Ibrahim Gaidam, CON, as well as the Chairman and Commissioners of the Police Service Commission for the strong support and synergy.
The IGP commended the 462 new Assistant Superintendents of Police for their dedication, discipline, and commitment throughout their five-year training at the academy. The IGP noted that their training encompassed both academic studies and hands-on professional training, ensuring they are well-prepared to take on the responsibilities of serving and protecting the citizens of Nigeria. The IGP also emphasized that the bedrock of policing is discipline, emphasizing that their success as Police Officers is entirely dependent on the quality of their character, discipline, and professionalism.