Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has commended the Nigeria Police Force for its dedication and commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state.
He also recognised the courage, sacrifices and achievements of the pioneering women police officers whose contributions helped shape the development of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to him, the role of women in policing demonstrates that professionalism, discipline, courage and commitment to public service transcend gender.
Fubara made these remarks yesterday at the launch of the book, “The Origin of Police Women in Nigeria: The Story of the Pioneer Women Officers and My Journey in the Nigerian Police Force (1955–1986),” authored by 96 years old retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dame Stella Okuyiga in Port Harcourt.
Represented at the event by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, the Governor congratulated the author on her contribution to preserving Nigeria’s national and institutional history.
“This book represents more than a historical account. It documents the courage, sacrifices and achievements of the pioneering women who helped shape the development of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Their stories deserve to be preserved, celebrated and passed on to future generations”, he said.
On his part, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, stressed the importance of parental responsibility in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, saying effective policing must be supported by homes that instil discipline and good values in children.
The IGP recalled that when women were first admitted into the Nigeria Police Force in 1955, their roles and opportunities were restricted by the prevailing circumstances, yet pioneering female officers demonstrated competence, determination and resilience, paving the way for subsequent generations of women to contribute to policing and national security.
According to him, women officers have progressed beyond administrative and traffic duties to undertake criminal investigations, intelligence gathering, tactical operations, specialist policing and strategic management, demonstrating that competence, leadership and dedication were not determined by gender.
He described Okuyiga, who was among the first 20 women to join the Nigeria Police Force in 1955, as a member of a distinguished generation that ventured into uncharted territory and established a place for women in an institution where their opportunities were once limited.
– Masi, is the Information/Public Relations Officer, Office of the Secretary to the State Government.