Leverage Experience Of Retired Police Women For Nat’l Devt- PCRC

In a bid to recognise the sacrifices of retired policewomen, the Police Community Relations Committee PCRC has called on stakeholders across the country not to abandon female officers after service but to leverage their wealth of experience for national development.

The National Chairman of the PCRC, Alhaji Magaji Olaniyan Ibrahim, made the appeal in Abuja during the committee’s national meeting and special recognition ceremony organised to honour retired female police officers in commemoration of 70 years of women’s service in the Nigeria Police Force.

Alhaji Ibrahim reaffirmed the organisation’s unwavering support and loyalty to the Inspector-General of Police IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, praising his leadership and commitment to national security and ongoing reforms within the Force.

He said the PCRC chose the occasion to both demonstrate support for the IGP and celebrate women who had dedicated decades of their lives to policing.

“Last month, we honoured serving police officers with meritorious awards. Today, we are celebrating retired policewomen who served this nation with distinction,” he said.

Among the honourees is a 96-year-old pioneer policewoman one of the first 20 women to ever join the Nigeria Police Force. As she was unable to travel, a PCRC delegation visited her in Port Harcourt to present the award.

Alhaji Ibrahim explained that the IGP personally nominated one retired female officer from each of the six geopolitical zones, all of whom were recognised for their sacrifices, professionalism and contributions to national security. Each awardee received financial support to boost their post-retirement livelihoods.

He lamented that many retired policewomen face significant challenges securing opportunities after service, unlike their male counterparts who are more easily absorbed into new roles.

“Women are reliable, dedicated and competent. However, they are often neglected after retirement. We have seen the exceptional results achieved when retired policewomen are empowered,” he said.

He cited the example of a retired Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Ige, who was appointed Chief Security Officer of Osun State by the former governor now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy where she successfully coordinated the Amotekun Corps, earning nationwide commendation.

“This proves that if we empower our retired female officers, they can perform even better than men. As the oldest support group of the Police, the PCRC wants to lead the advocacy to ensure these women are not forgotten but that their wealth of experience is utilised,” he added.

The PCRC Chairman urged all state chapters to identify, promote and recommend retired female officers for community security roles and other engagements, stressing that providing such opportunities would serve as motivation to women still in service.

Some of the award recipients expressed joy and gratitude, saying the recognition renewed their sense of pride and would inspire other female officers still in active service.

They urged government agencies and private organisations to follow the PCRC’s example in appreciating the contributions of women who devoted their best years to national service.

Other activities at the national meeting included the formal adoption of the PCRC’s new constitution and elections into select positions within the National Executive.

Aisha Adesanya, Edited By Grace Namiji