President Bola Tinubu has declared April 7 as National Police Day.
Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made this known on Monday night, April 15, at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations ceremony held in the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
Delivering the President’s speech titled, “Courage Under Fire: A Bouquet for Our Police Force,” VP Shettima said at a time in Nigeria’s history when the nation’s security architecture is being stretched beyond elastic limits, the citizens have been able to endure in the face of security threats as well as attacks on their lives and livelihoods due to the commitment of the police.
He noted that his administration had been unequivocal about its resolve to transform the Nigeria Police Force into “a modern, professional, and accountable institution that mirrors the aspirations and values” of the nation.
This is as he listed part of the comprehensive reforms by his administration to rejuvenate the police force to include investment in training and capacity-building.
He then stressed the need to engage men and women of the force in training and capacity-building to equip them with the expertise required to carry out the arduous task of modern policing.
He also disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the first week of April as police week and the last day of the week as National Police Day.
He said: “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, in our tradition of honouring the Police Force in the life of this great nation, we have approved the adoption of the first week of April as Police Week.
“Furthermore, the last day of the week, April 7th, is hereby declared National Police Day in Nigeria.
“Tonight, I must remind you that we don’t see you as just the shields of the nation, we don’t see you as robots.
“This is why we are here; we are here to humanise you.
“At a time in Nigeria’s history, when the nation’s security architecture is being stretched beyond elastic limits, the citizens have been able to endure in the face of security threats as well as attacks on their lives and livelihoods due to the commitment of the police.
“Your exemplary valour doesn’t only represent the pinnacle of patriotism that binds us but also instils confidence that brighter days lie just beyond the horizon.”