By Jonathan Ugbal
1,033 Constables on Thursday passed out from the Police Training School, Odukpani with a charge to always be vigilant, disciplined, obedient, and take their job as crime fighters seriously.
Drawn from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers States, the 1,033 graduating Constables form part of the 10,000 Constables who are inducted into the force across 11 other Police Training Schools and four Police Colleges across the country.
They commenced their training on August 3rd, 2024. And, after 25 weeks of training which the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun says “marks the culmination of six months rigorous training program that has pushed the recruits to their physical and intellectual limits,” has now made them professional police officers as they “leave their civilian status behind and embark on a career of service and duty.”
Represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Zone 6 command of the force, AIG Mustapha Bala who was also the reviewing officer, IGP Egbetokun added that; “In the course of their training, we have instilled in them, the necessary orientation to address the complex security challenges facing our nation while adhering to the principles of the law.”
“Our comprehensive and research based curriculum has equipped them with fundamental police ethics, norms, and practices as well as modern law enforcement process. We have high expectations for this graduating class of constables, and we are confident that they will uphold the values imparted on them during the training, thereby contributing to the enhancement of law enforcement in our country.”
Earlier, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang said the State will keep collaborating with law enforcement agencies and provide the necessary support to ensure the security of lives and property.
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd who was represented by Mrs. Emem Bassey, a Chief Administrative Officer at the commission, averred that, “I am happy that you have been able to successfully undergo this strenuous and rigorous mandatory training program, which I believe would have prepared you for the challenging responsibility of contributing to the maintenance of law and order and protection of lives and property in the country.”
In his remarks, the Commandant of the Training School, ACP Gambo Erena said the task ahead of the constables who began as general duty police officers, requires professional and intellectual tact to interact efficiently and effectively with the society, urged them to “always remain vigilant, disciplined, and obedient to take your work seriously. I therefore implore you to hold sacrosanct, your fundamental duty and ensure that it is carried out without of fear of compromise.”
“The end of your basic training, today, does not promise you any rest. Rather, it, ironically, marks the beginning of more demanding and committed service into the Nigerian Police Force. You are all trained as policemen, ready to get into the society to help fight crime for the overall benefit of the Nigerian public,” ACP Erena said.
He added; “As a frontline law enforcement agent, you are expected to key in and become partakers in the fight against corruption. In the day-to-day performance of your duties, resist every negative influence. It is these virtues that will catapult you to greater heights. You must realize that from now onward, your conduct will be closely watched by superiors and members of the public. In dealing with members of the public, you have to show respect, courtesy and impartiality.”
The Passing out Parade which saw several drills from the State’s Police Command had in attendance, the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Gyongon Grimah, service commanders of the Nigerian Customs Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps; representatives of the Commissioners of Police in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers States, parents, family members, well-wishers and many others who turned up to celebrate the granduands.
Out of the 1,033 graduates, eight stood out. They are;
- Onyekwere Goodness Chinenye – Overall Best in Academics. Born in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
- Eni-Obong Clement – Commandants Daughter Award (youngest graduate). Born in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State
- Boma John – Most hardworking recruit. Born in Rivers State
- Ogazile Chinumeze Emmanuel – Most resourceful recruit. Born in Rivers State
- Esi Tekong Kufre – Best recruit in drill. Born in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State
- Godslove Ephraim – Most dedicated recruit – Born in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State
- Marshal Asuquo – Most disciplined and well-behaved male recruit. Born in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State and
- Ebikefe Agene – Most disciplined and well-behaved female recruit. Born in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
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