POLICE WELFARE- PSC Launches Police Veterans Foundation
Maryam Aminu
Police welfare in Nigeria has long been a matter of concern.
Officers play a crucial role in maintaining law and order, yet their well-being often goes overlooked.
In line with renewed efforts to address the welfare of Nigerian police officers, the Police Service Commission has today launched the Police Veterans’ Foundation
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu assured that he will ensure an immediate review of the pension and severance packages of retired police officers to reflect the enormity of their contributions and commitment to the country.
Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim said that his administration will begin processes to issue an Executive Order to set aside a day between March 5 and April 1, to be officially regarded as National Police and Veterans’ Day in the country.
” Administrative processes towards issuance of an Executive Order will be immediately initiated to set aside a day, perhaps, 5th March (being today, the launch of the Veterans’ Foundation) or 1st April (being the date that the hitherto existing police forces of Northern and Southern provinces were amalgamated to form a unified Nigeria Police Force), as National Police and Veterans’ Day in Nigeria”, he said
President Tinubu pledged his full support for the foundation.
“I must acknowledge that without these veterans, Nigeria would have no doubt descended into a Hobbesian state of nature where life is brutish, nasty and short; and only the fittest and strongest survive.” Said President Tinubu
Speaking also, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun commended and congratulated the retired officers on launching Police Veterans Foundation for improved welfare for serving and retired officers.
IGP, Egbetokun, who was represented by DIG Bala Ciroma assured the support of the Nigeria Police Force
He further urged all to pull resources together for a better welfare package for all, both serving and retired.
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission PSC, Dr Solomon Arase, said the initiative was borne out of the need to come up with a veritable platform, to be deployed in galvanizing support for the improved welfare of retired Police officers who are faced with different post-service challenges.
Arase expressed concern for the well-being of the Nigerian police and highlighted the need to improve their lives while they serve the community.
The PSC Chairman expressed that the foundation will serve as a beacon of support and solidarity, reinforcing the enduring legacy of service, loyalty, hard work and commitment that define the Nigeria Police Force.
“I must, however, acknowledge that it is not only in Nigeria that the members of the Police community, whether retired or serving are held in low repute, and perhaps in social contempt by the very society they serve or served.
“The event is partly a solemn one as it accords us the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave Police Officers in the course of duty, and the debt of gratitude yet unpaid by the very society that they gave their all.
“Furthermore, it is an occasion for the members of the public to express their gratitude, respect and reverence to our own retired Police officers whose invaluable contributions are hardly recognised and brought to light.”
” I, therefore, urge everyone to get involved in this noble act of humanity and humaneness by supporting the Foundation in putting smiles on the faces of our veterans.
“This will not only help them to age gracefully in comfort and dignity, but it will also spur the serving police officers to greater dedication and commitment, knowing that the society they are giving their best appreciates and honours them in retirement”, he said.
The Commission also launched a branch of the NPF Microfinance Bank
