*Seeks stronger security reforms
From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Businessman and community leader, Alhaji Ibrahim Ajia, has called for deeper community policing strategies and urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security sector as he joined colleagues to mark the 23rd anniversary of the 2002 Police Academy intake.
Ajia, who is the President/CEO of Funab Group of Companies Ltd and Dan Amanar of Fune Emirate in Yobe State, congratulated members of Cadet Inspector Course 36/2002 and Cadet ASP Course 21/2002 of the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano, describing them as a “unique and blessed set,” that has contributed immensely to the safety of lives and properties in Nigeria.
In a message released through his Director of Communications, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan, Ajia noted that the course has produced distinguished officers, including Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, and Chief Superintendents of Police.
“We must celebrate the uniqueness and grace that Almighty Allah has bestowed upon this course. Today, many of our colleagues are entrusted with sensitive national responsibilities, including the protection of the Commander-in-Chief and other strategic assignments across the country,” he said.
Ajia also highlighted the global footprint of his colleagues who are currently serving Nigeria in international peacekeeping and diplomatic missions. He linked their success to the prayers and goodwill of the late Inspector General of Police, Tafa Balogun, who, according to him, gave the 2002 set extraordinary support during their training.
While celebrating the achievements of his course mates, Ajia urged them to rededicate themselves to addressing Nigeria’s worsening security challenges. He particularly raised concerns about Kwara State, where he said rising insecurity is generating fear among citizens.
“I urge my colleagues to deploy their networks of intelligence to salvage Kwara State. We must embrace community policing strategies if we truly want to rescue Nigeria from the deepening security crisis,” he stressed.
The business leader further appealed to government at all levels to improve the welfare of police officers, noting that motivation remains central to effective policing. He also pushed for urgent reforms in the Police Pension Scheme to guarantee dignity for officers after service.
Expressing optimism about the future, Ajia prayed for his colleagues’ continued success and predicted that one of them would soon rise to become Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police.
“I will continue to pray for each of us, and I strongly believe it is only a matter of time before one of our colleagues emerges as IGP,” he concluded.