From Our Correspondent
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has underscored the importance of effective security for the overall development of the country, noting that the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, as a critical partner in maintaining the required atmosphere towards the delivery of the goals of his administration’s blueprint, the ‘ARISE Agenda’.
The Governor stated this while declaring open a four – day conference and seminar for Nigeria Police Public Relations Officers, NPPROs, and Public Relation experts currently ongoing in Uyo, the state capital.
Urging the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, to lead the charge in strengthening the Police’s security architecture and boost the morale of officers and men to be in good stead to contain internal security infractions in the country, Eno, expressed the commitment of his administration in sustaining the existing partnership with the NPF and other security agencies in the state.
He noted that security management is central to the state’s development plans as contained in his development blueprint, adding that Akwa Ibom remains one of the most peaceful and safest in the country and a destination of choice for seminars, conferences, retreats and other businesses because of huge investment in security.
Governor Eno who had earlier played host to the IGP at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s office, appreciated the Force for dilligent service to the state, especially for working harmoniously with other security agencies to make the state peaceful and a preferred destination for business and social events.
The Governor, who recalled his father was a police officer, thanked the NPF “for working so hard with other security agencies to keep the country together, and staying awake to ensure that Nigerians can sleep.”
He said: “We enjoy peace by the grace of God through the hard work of the police Commissioner and other security agencies. You are always there to maintain law and order for us. You are always awake when we are sleeping. You take the risk for us and the only way we can reciprocate your sacrifice, and that of other men on uniform is to encourage and thank you.
“We know that without you, we can not do anything serious as the whole State would be thrown into anarchy if you choose to go on strike for one day.”
He therefore thanked the Police boss for bringing the all-important conference of Police Public Relations Officers to Akwa Ibom State, and also commended the State Police Commissioner, Mr. Olatoye Durosinmi, for holding the fort and mirroring the Force’s objectives at the State Command by ensuring a healthy relationship between the Force and the Akwa Ibom public.
Besides, the Governor commended the the state PPRO, SP Odiko MacDon, for what he described as “a very fantastic work. He is always out there relating and explaining why certain actions were taken. Odiko has always done a fantastic job and I am sure other Police Public Relations Officers across the country are doing same.”
“When things happen, the way they come out and explain, you can see that wholesomeness and professionalism in the discharge of their duties. The way they watch their languages, I am always very impressed when I see all of these.”
However, IGP Egbetokun, thanked the government and people of the state for their reception and support, while lauding the peaceful and hospitable ambience of the state which, he admitted, has been extended to him.
He explained that a robust Police Public Relations was critical to successful policing, and urged the Force and participants at the conference to position their minds to learn, unlearn, re-learn, and to take advantage of the rich content of the conference to improve on their jobs.
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