Inspector-general of police, (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has decorated two outstanding police officers for 2023 and 2024. They were given special promotions to their following ranks.
This is even as the IGP told critics who are bent on tarnishing his image and that of the Nigeria Police Force that he will continue to do his best to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force progresses in the right direction, emphatically stating that “Your lies will not derail our reforms.”
IGP Egbetokun who stated this while decorating CSP Shaba Aliyu, Police Officer of the Year, 2023 and SP Sentome Obi, Police Officer of the Year 2024 who are beneficiary of the special promotion scheme of the Force at Force Headquarters Abuja, noted that the police management under him is ready to continue the current reforms being carried in the Force.
According to him,” Let me be unequivocal: There is no gender advantage. No ethnic preference. No religious pathway. Only merit. However, even as we mark this milestone, we are not blind to the resistance. We know some fear change — who attack progress because it exposes their irrelevance.
“A particular corner of social media has become a playground for professional mischief-makers and agents of institutional sabotage. They twist facts, malign honourable men, and attempt to discredit noble efforts with shameless dishonesty.
“Let me send them a clear and final message: Your lies will not derail our reforms. Your noise will not drown our resolve. In addition, if sustained, your provocations will be met with lawful consequences. The Nigeria Police Force is moving forward — with or without your approval”
On the event’s significance, the IGP said, “We are not merely decorating officers; we are defining a legacy. This moment marks a deliberate and strategic departure from the shadows of mediocrity. It is a resounding reaffirmation of what we stand for — excellence, integrity, merit, and national pride.
“We have come to honour men whose stories now serve as institutional case studies in courage and professionalism: “These two officers did not walk casually into this honour – they earned it through distinction in a field of giants. They were selected from among the very best officers who had also demonstrated exceptional courage, integrity and professionalism. They were nominated across multiple categories during the fiercely contested 2023 and 2024 award years.
“The process that led to their emergence was rigorous, grounded in objectivity and insulated from influence. It was a process designed to sift not just for performance, but for character. And they rose to the top – not by accident, favour, or merit. Let every officer here take note: this is the standard. If you aspire to be here tomorrow, it begins with what you do today.
The IGP, however, stated that this is not a replacement for other promotions in the Force.
