The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has presented the sum of N46,995,139.32 to the families of late officers and men of the Akwa Ibom State Command who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Baba Azare, who presented the cash to the beneficiaries at the Command’s headquarters in Uyo, on Wednesday, said the measure became necessary to recognise and sustain the legacies of patriotism exhibited by the fallen officers for peace and security in Nigeria.
“The move is to support the families of the fallen Police officers, and to recognise the dedication of the personnel, on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the Command has disbursed a total of N46,995,139.32 in welfare schemes,” the CP said.
Besides, CP Azare, who presented the cheques from the Group Life and IGP Family Welfare Schemes (GLIWS) to the beneficiary families, decorated some newly promoted officers with their new ranks.
He commended IGP Egbetokun, for the initiative, noting that “the funds would serve as a vital support system for the families and also demonstrate that the Nigeria Police Force has not forgotten the sacrifices of their loved ones.”
However, the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the IGP, assuring that the funds would be used responsibly for the purposes they were meant.
In a separate ceremony, CP Azare also decorated newly promoted officers to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and charged the newly promoted officers to view their promotion as a call to higher responsibility.
“The reward for hard work is more work,” CP Azare reminded, urging them to maintain professionalism, shun corruption, and remain dedicated to their duties.
Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, DSP Nsikak Udedeh, thanked the IGP and the Command for the recognition.
He pledged that the beneficiaries would not disappoint the Police’s leadership as they continue to advance in their policing careers.