The Nigeria Police Force has officially decorated its newly promoted officers across the nation.
In Oyo State, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Ayodele Sonubi, 202 personnel of the state command who are beneficiaries of the promotion.
The decoration ceremony held on Wednesday, January 8, at the Oyo State Police Command headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.
A total of Two Hundred and two (202) officers were decorated including 4 Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) and 4 Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), 26 Superintendent of Police (SP) and 26 Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).
Others include 25 Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) – Superintendent of Police (SP) and 149 Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)–Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
Those decorated include; ACP Ehindero Lawrence, OC Special Equity Bureau, CSP Osifeso Adewale, Police Public Relations Officer, Oyo State, CSP Akinjo Olakunle, CSP Segun Ojo, CSP Emuze Samson.O, Commander Explosive Ordinance Disposal-Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Unit and CSP Sunday Omowole (AO Operations) amongst others.
Osifeso, until his new rank in the police force, was a Superintendent of Police (SP) at the Oyo state command.
The ceremony equally brought together top-ranking police officers, family members, and well-wishers to celebrate the accomplishments of the newly promoted officers.
While addressing the personnel of the command, the Police Commissioner congratulated the officers for their hard work and dedication, which earned them the recognition and elevation.
He described the promotions as a call to greater responsibility while urging the decorated officers to exemplify leadership and mentorship in their respective roles.
CP Sonubi urged the promotees to ensure they live up to the responsibilities that come with the new rank, reminding them that they now have greater responsibilities especially at a time where law enforcement constantly battles with perception management and evolving security challenges.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the event, CP Sonubi said: “Your promotion is not just a reward for your past efforts but a challenge to do more in terms of leadership, mentorship, and commitment to the values of the Nigeria Police Force.
“You are now role models to your subordinates, and your actions should reflect integrity, professionalism, and the highest standards of service delivery.”
Emphasising the importance of mentorship, the CP advised the newly promoted officers to guide younger personnel under their authorities and control, and to promote a culture of excellence and discipline within the force.
Among those decorated was CSP Adewale Osifeso, who is renowned for his exemplary leadership and commitment to duty.
Addressing newsmen, Osifeso expressed gratitude to the Police Service Commission and the CP for the recognition, pledging to uphold the principles of the Nigeria Police Force and deliver on their responsibilities with renewed vigor.
The CP also reiterated the importance of community engagement and intelligence-driven policing as key strategies to ensure the safety and security of Oyo State. He called on the public to continue supporting the police in their efforts to maintain law and order.
The ceremony ended with a note of celebration, as families and friends congratulated the officers for their well-deserved promotions.
Some of the newly promoted officers who spoke with journalists expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Police leadership while reaffirming their commitments to upholding the dignity of the NPF.
CSP Osifeso, in his brief remark while speaking to newsmen, expressed gratitude to the leadership of the NPF particularly the Oyo state Commissioner of Police, for his fatherly support and guidance, assuring that his new rank will motivate him to rededicate himself to the service of the NPF.