In an effort to honour retired police officers for their contributions and commitment to national growth, President Bola has approved March 5 of every year as National Police Veterans’ Day.

The approval was conveyed in a letter dated July 29, 2024, and addressed to the chairman of the Police Service Commission.

“You are kindly informed that His Excellency, Mr President, has approved 5th March of every year as National Police Veterans’ Day,” the letter said.

The approval was on the back of Mr Tinubu’s promise to immediately review the pension and severance package of retired police officers in honour of their invaluable contributions and dedication to the country’s development.

PSC chairman Solomon Arase, at the formal launch of the Nigeria Police Force Veterans’ Foundation last year, described retired police officers as “national heroes”, emphasising the need for Mr Tinubu to honour and support them.

Mr Arase noted that retired officers “remain the epitome of sacrifice who demonstrated professionalism under the most trying circumstances and put their lives on line for the country.”

Mr Tinubu, at the event, promised to sign an executive order on ‘National Police and Veterans’ Day’, to “immortalise in our consciousness the habit of thought and of action to labour steadily and to commit selflessly with courage and hard work beyond personal enhancement and self-interest, for our collective peace and security of our nation.”

The president further expressed his administration’s commitment to giving a better life and hopes to the retired officers to cushion the effects and burdens of post-service challenges.