Inspector-General of Police, Dr Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Monday decorated two outstanding officers in recognition of their exemplary service and presided over a strategic meeting with officials of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and NPF Pensions Limited to address long-standing concerns affecting retired members of the Nigeria Police Force.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Aliyu Shaba and Chief Superintendent of Police Sentome Obi received new ranks following their emergence as winners of the Police Officer of the Year Award for 2023 and 2024, respectively. The decoration ceremony was held at the IGP Smart Conference Room, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Dr Egbetokun, while addressing attendees at the event, restated the Force’s resolve to promote officers who demonstrate outstanding commitment, discipline, and professionalism.
Details of the event were contained in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, and shared with the press on Tuesday.
“The promotion and decoration of these officers clearly demonstrates the Force’s commitment to acknowledging and rewarding officers who consistently carry out their service to the nation and its citizens exceptionally,” the statement read.
It also cited the IGP as reaffirming that any officer who receives the Police Officer of the Year Award, the IGP Commendation Award, or who secures category honours for two consecutive years, will be recommended to the Police Service Commission for fast-tracked promotion.
“The doors of honour and recognition are wide open, but would only come as a result of hard work, professionalism, excellence, and service discipline,” Dr Egbetokun was quoted as saying.
On the issue of police pensions, the IGP convened an extensive session with key stakeholders including PenCom Director-General Ms Omolola B. Oluworaran and Managing Director of NPF Pensions, Mr Kolade Morakinyo. The meeting centred on the state of pension administration and improving the welfare of retired police officers.
The statement noted that the engagement dealt directly with the grievances of both serving and retired personnel, aiming to establish more effective and humane retirement processes.
“The interactive session critically addressed major concerns of serving and retired officers towards improved retirement benefits. The IGP is optimistic that in no distant time, all the efforts to ameliorate the pitiable conditions of retired officers would yield positive result,” it read.
Dr Egbetokun reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to the wellbeing of its members, pledging continued reforms that strengthen both active service and retirement support. He said the ongoing transformation agenda is anchored on professionalism, competence, and respect for the rule of law.
