Gov Okpebholo charges 493 new police constables

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has tasked the 493 constables of Edo and Delta State origin who were recently recruited into the Nigeria Police Force to use the knowledge gained in their training to shun corruption, build trust and protect communities.

Governor Okpebholo gave the charge in his message at the passing out parade of the 2022 intake Course 3 of 2024 held at the Police Training School, Ogida, Benin City, Edo State.

Congratulating the new recruits, Governor Okpebholo said the essence of their training is to protect communities and build relationships while serving with honour and integrity.

“Today is a proud day for Edo State as these constables are through with their training and ready to serve, and their hard work and dedication have brought them here.

“You are from Edo and Delta States. You know our land, people, and culture. Use this knowledge to protect our communities,” he stated.

Governor Okpebholo said the job of the constables is to enforce the law but encouraged them to be fair and respect the people while doing their job.

He said: “Policing is about doing the right thing. Be honest, be professional in the discharge of your duties as a police man and be kind. Say no to corruption, work with the communities to prevent crimes, and build trust and relationships as these will make Nigeria safe.

“Edo State Government will support you and give you the tools needed to succeed. As you begin this noble journey, your purpose is to protect lives and properties as Edo State and Nigeria depend on you. Serve with honour and duty, and together, we will make our State great.”

Inspector-General Of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, said the passing -out parade of about 10,000 police constables of the 2022 batch of the Nigerian police recruitment was held across four police Colleges and 12 police formations nationwide.

The IGP, represented by the AIG Zone 5, comprising Edo and Delta States, Arungwa Nwazue Udochukwu, noted that the exercise is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise of addressing manpower deficit in the Nigerian Police by recruiting 30,000 police men nationwide to check security challenges facing the nation.

On his part, Commandant, Police Training School, Ogida Benin, ACP Aigbe Aghaghowa, said the training commenced with documentation and screening of 493 recruits, with 181 females and 312 males.

He noted that a breakdown shows that Edo State has a total of 228 recruits, 143 males and 85 females, while Delta State has 265 recruits, out of which 169 are males and 96 are females.

The high point of the passing out parade was award presentations to deserving constables who showed dedication, commitment, and courage throughout the training.

Governor Okpebholo presented an award to the overall best recruit, Imoh Patience Udoka, who hails from Igbanke in Edo State.

Representative of the IGP and State Police Commissioner also took turns to present awards to the best recruits in professional studies, Okechukwu Victoria, Best in Legal Studies, Aigbe Amadi Favour among others.