From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin.
The Kwara State Police Command, has announced plans to celebrate the inaugural National Police Day, with a series of community-focused activities aimed at strengthening public trust and enhancing police-community relations.
In a statement issued in Ilorin by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the command emphasised its commitment to the directives of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in making the event a meaningful occasion.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, described the initiative as an opportunity to foster cooperation between law enforcement and residents. “This celebration goes beyond recognition of our officers’ sacrifices; it is a chance to further engage with the public, listen to their concerns, and reaffirm our commitment to community policing,” he said.
Scheduled for April 7, the week-long activities will include sanitation exercise, a town hall meeting with stakeholders, a free medical outreach, and school campaigns against social vices.
The environmental sanitation exercise, which commenced for April 2, saw officers cleaning major public areas such as the Post Office roundabout, Geri-Alimi, Yoruba Market, and Sawmill in Surulere. The police command believes this will promote public hygiene and encourage citizens to take responsibility for their surroundings.
Today, April 3, a town hall meeting themed “Community and the Police: Strengthening Cooperation for Enhanced Security and Effective Service Delivery” brought together community leaders, traditional rulers, government officials, and security agencies to discuss ways to improve security and public safety.
In a bid to support public health, the command will hold a free medical outreach on April 4, offering healthcare services to residents.
Additionally, on April 5, police officers will visit schools and public spaces to campaign against cultism, violent crime, gangsterism, and gender-based violence. The outreach aims to educate young people on the dangers of these vices and encourage them to make positive life choices.
The police command urged residents to participate in the events and collaborate with law enforcement to create a safer and more prosperous society.
“We look forward to making National Police Day a tradition in Kwara, ensuring that our presence is felt not only in security matters but also in the development of the state,” CP Ojo added.