Deputy Speaker, Kalu Decorates Female Aides, Commends Police Force for Gender Inclusivity
By Juliet Vincent
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has commended the Nigerian Police Force for its commitment to gender equality and empowerment of female officers.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu on Wednesday, he made the commendation while decorating two of his female police aides, Omeoga Princess Esther and Priscilla Thomas, who were recently promoted from Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) to Superintendent of Police (SP) and Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) respectively.
Kalu at a brief ceremony in his office that attracted the presence of the Director, Defence Liaison for the National Assembly, Maj. Gen. S. Nicodemus; the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the National Assembly, CSP Alex David Annagu and the Administrative Officer, Nigerian Police Force in the National Assembly, SP Sandra Obi emphasized the importance of gender inclusivity, stating that the promotion of female officers is a testament to the Force’s dedication to inclusivity.
He encouraged the newly decorated officers to remain steadfast and dedicated to their duties, urging them to take their careers seriously and be competitive in carrying out the mandate of the police.
The Deputy Speaker also called on other government agencies to follow the Police Force’s example in promoting gender equality and inclusivity in their ranks.
He said that with the right support, women can excel in any role even as he mulled the possibility of the Force promoting a female Inspector General of Police (IGP) in the future.
He said: “Today as I decorate you on your latest promotion, I thank the police force for being gender sensitive and empowering these young ladies to play a role in their various duty posts in service to the nation.
“As a he for she, I believe that there’s no task given to a woman with the right support that will not be executed.
“I thank them for being efficient in the execution of their duties and I urge them to take their careers serious. I charge them to keep being responsible and efficient in their roles. Be as competitive as possible in carrying out the mandate of the police. Do not lower the standards of the police and our nation. Be good representatives of the police and indeed our nation, Nigeria.
“Cooperate with your superiors even outside your agencies. We will be here to support you and make the work environment very conducive as you continue to rise in your career.
“I thank the police force for not being discriminatory in their promotion. This shows that one day we can have a female IGP. One day, we will get there.
“I therefore urge other agencies to pay attention to gender equality to ensure that inclusivity becomes the order of the day,” he said.
