06/08/2025
IGP Egbetokun to Decorate Outstanding Officers in Historic Promotion Ceremony
In a decisive move aimed at boosting morale, reinforcing meritocracy, and rewarding excellence within the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, is set to decorate a group of distinguished officers recently approved for promotion by the Police Service Commission (PSC). These promotions are a direct reflection of the officers’ exceptional service, integrity, and courage.
The decoration ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 12 noon, and will be held at the IGP Smart Conference Room, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in an official statement on Tuesday, emphasized that the promotion exercise is far more than a routine administrative procedure. He described it as a “public endorsement of excellence” and a national tribute to officers who have consistently chosen honour, gone beyond the call of duty, and exemplified the true spirit of public service.
This development aligns with a previous commitment made by the Force in Press Release No. CZ:5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/472 dated 25th July 2025, which declared that any officer who wins the “Police Officer of the Year” award or the IGP Recognition Award twice within two consecutive years would be considered for accelerated promotion.
“The commitment was intentional and transparent,” Adejobi noted. “It was driven by the IGP’s belief that institutional reform begins with celebrating those who do the job right.”
Following a resolution reached at the Force Management Team meeting on June 23, 2025, the names of qualifying officers were submitted to the PSC for consideration. The Commission has now granted its approval.
Among those to be decorated:
CSP Shaba Aliyu, Police Officer of the Year 2023, will be promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police, effective from December 31, 2023.
SP Sentome Obi, Police Officer of the Year 2024, will be promoted to Chief Superintendent of Police, effective from December 31, 2024.
Also benefiting from this promotion wave are officers who have received multiple commendation letters over the past two years, including several staff officers at the IGP Secretariat, as well as others who have earned national awards twice in the last two years.
To underscore the significance of the event, IGP Egbetokun has authorized the deployment of the police jet to convey both officers ACP Shaba and CSP Obi to Abuja for the formal ceremony. Their portraits have already been mounted at the main entrance of the Force Headquarters in Abuja, and instructions have been issued for their display at all Zonal and State Command Headquarters nationwide.
“This is what institutional pride looks like,” the Force PRO stated. “This is how we build trust not just with the public, but within the rank and file.”
He further reassured officers across the country that their efforts are not going unnoticed.
“To every officer serving across Nigeria, this is your reminder: the job is not thankless. Your sacrifices are seen. Your integrity matters. Under this leadership, professionalism will not only be praised it will be promoted.”
The initiative marks a bold step forward in the IGP’s broader reform agenda aimed at creating a police force rooted in honour, driven by service, and committed to excellence.
