Theme:
Promoting A Culture of Lawfulness
Date:
5th September, 2019
Venue: American Corner, 294, Herbert Macaulay Street, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos.
Organised by:
Community Agenda for Peace
Supported by:
Nigerian Policing Program
The need for a more efficient and proactive Police Force that every Nigerian would be proud of prompted the Community Agenda for Peace ably led by its National Director Amb.(Barr.) Obuesi Phillips to put together a training programme which had in attendance a good number of senior police officers across
the Area ‘C’ Division (and beyond) of the Lagos State Police Command on Thursday, 5th of September, 2019.
The event commenced with the rendition of the National Anthem by all.
The opening address was done by the Chief host Ambassador Obuesi Phillips.
Up came Superintendent of Police Joseph Egwuonwu one of the resource persons from Community Policing Office State Headquarters who practically pinched the officers in attendance in the areas of the public perception of the Force, what they needed to improve upon and how they could go about changing the perception of the Nigerian people in the discharge of their duties.
Next was Senior Superintendent Toyin Omomobi also from the Community Policing Office State Headquarters. She emphasied the need for the Police to work with members of their respective communities in order to achieve results and curb crimes. She also buttressed the fact that without the cooperation of the citizens who know every member of their community as well as every nook and cranny in their community better, the Police would not be able to discharge their duties of maintaining law and order effectively.
The training was highly interactive in nature as most of the participants were open about the challenges they face in the discharge of their duties. Such challenges, among others, include inadequate provision of tools to work with viz.: vehicles, fuelling, stationery, etc. Others are a lack of motivation on the part of the Authorities, a lack of cooperation from some members of the public, due process not being followed when criminals are caught and taken to court, inadequate remuneration, and so on and so forth.
It was not all gloom and doom though as a good number of outstanding officers in attendance were commended for their doggedness, diligence and professionalism in spite of the challenges they face on a daily basis.
The last speaker on the day was Ambassador Obuesi Phillips who spoke about Code of Conduct and Professional Standards for Police Officers. He enjoined the men and women of the Nigerian Police to have integrity as they all represent the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The need for
the Police to be professional in their conduct was the focal point of his address.
It must be noted at this juncture that the training had forty-six members of the Nigerian Police and Civil Society in attendance. This cuts across Orile, Ajeromi, Surulere, Denton, Sabo, Yaba, Ikeja, Iponri, etc. Also in attendance were a couple of representatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission.
The Nigeria Policing Programme were ably represented by Ivy Basil-Ofili and Mrs Blessing Kadiri who did the vote of thanks.
In conclusion, it was a refreshing time and an opportunity to do a personal reappraisal for all present.
Thank you
Amb. (Barr.) Obuesi Phillips
