NDDC chief bags police distinguished service award

Gideon Ekere, Uyo

The Interim Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Efiong Akwa, has been honoured with a distinguished service award by the Nigeria Police Force in ‘recognition of his sterling leadership qualities and partnership with security agencies to promote and sustain peace in the Niger Delta region.’

The award was presented by the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba during a two-day conference and retreat for senior police officers in Uyo on Wednesday evening.

Baba, who identified the NDDC as a critical partner to securing peace in Niger Delta and boosting regional development, expressed appreciation to the commission for assisting the Nigeria Police Force with tools and facilities for the efficient discharge of duty.

The two-day conference and retreat in Akwa Ibom State is the second edition of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, organised by the Nigeria Police Force to drive a policing vision that would afford the police leadership the opportunity to identify and set measurable crime-fighting agenda for the force.

The IGP, who pledged to provide security for all Nigerians, urged citizens to go about their businesses, adding, “We on our part are ready, willing, and able to provide the required security to Nigerians so long as we have tools to work.”

During the opening of the retreat on Tuesday by President Muhamadu Buhari, with the Theme: “The New Police Vision: A roadmap for stabilizing internal security in Nigeria”, Baba said that evolving a new roadmap for stabilizing internal security would be enhanced through re-strategized new ways of tackling national security, especially in an election year.

In his response, Dr Akwa informed that the NDDC was obligated by its mandate to work with stakeholders to ensure the enabling environment for sustainable regional development. He noted that the commission remains committed to discharging its mandate.

He said: “NDDC will continue to work with security agencies to promote peace and security in the Niger Delta, because development can occur in an environment that is peaceful and secure, one that allows every citizen and all businesses to go about their daily pursuits.

“The new NDDC is committed to offering the people of the Niger Delta a better return on their cooperation with and support for the Commission, to be able to do its work. And we acknowledge the support from President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in ensuring that we are able to offer better service to the people.”