The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Idowu Owohunwa, on Monday decorated 1,400 newly-promoted officers with their new ranks at the command headquarters, Ikeja.

Idowu, who congratulated the newly-promoted police officers, advised them to be more dedicated and committed to their duties.

“Nothing motivates a police officer more than extending his due to him in term of promotions as and when due.

“My greatest honour as a leader is to superintend over the promotion of my officers who have demonstrated consistent professional excellence, good service records and moral strength in the discharge of their functions,” he said.

The CP said he was privileged to induct a total of 1,400 inspectors to the officer cadet and to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

“It means a lot because these personnel are transiting from inspectorate cadet to the strategy cadet of the Nigeria police Force, that is the decision making cadet of the Nigeria police.

“The new rank comes with some obligations in term of conduct, professional outlook, ability to dissect very complex internal security issues and take decisions that would align with the law, align with the interest of the citizens they serve,” he said

According to him, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has said that promotion would now be based on merit and seniority.

“You are the first set that will benefit from this policy, you should be proud that you are earning it on your merit.

“I must remind you to whom much is given, much is expected. The IGP stands on very high professional ground and he expects his followers to manifest excellence in their conduct at all times,” he said.

The newly promoted officers
He appealed to the promoted officers to see their promotions as another step in their bright careers and the challenges that would go with the position.

“There is no more excuse, always be guided by certain values. Don’t change those values so that those excesses will not bring you down.

“I commit you to God and pray that He should continue to perfect your careers, sustain the strength of characters that brought you to where you are today and brighten your future.

“I congratulate you on behalf of the Lagos State Police family and the IGP. I wish you well and I welcome you to the prestigious cadet of the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.

A special guest, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Agency (LASEMA), congratulated the affected officers and enjoined them to support, promote and defend their profession.

“I wish you all the best and may God be with you and your families as you are doing this unique professional job, keep the flag flying,” he said.

One of promoted officers, ASP Elizabeth Azamarogbe, said she was grateful to God and the Nigeria Police Force for counting her worthy for the promotion.

She promised that she would re-double her efforts to justify the confidence reposed in her.

“I feel honored and great to be among the newly-promoted officer, I thank the Almighty God and the Nigeria Police.

“Higher rank comes with higher responsibility, I will be more hardworking and be a role model to my junior officers,” she said.

Also, the CP presented medals to some officers who won a total of eight medals at the just-concluded 10th Inspector General of Police (IGP) Taekwondo Championship in Beyalsa State.

The police boss urged them to continue to be a great ambassador of the Lagos State Command.

“Lagos State is a center of excellence, we take the lead in everything that is positive, you have shown resilience, you have shown excellent and you have conquered by winning two silver and six bronze medals in taekwondo.

“You have made us proud and we are proud of you,” he said.

He promised to engage them in training so that an average policeman could be exposed to the art of taekwondo and apply the knowledge to self-defense which would help them in the line of their duties.