The Nigeria Police Force has honoured Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Stella Okuyiga (retd) with the award for Most Outstanding Officer in recognition of her exemplary service.

The award was given through the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) on Sunday, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The National Chairman of the PCRC, Ibrahim Olaniyan, presented Ms Okuyiga with the Most Outstanding Meritorious Award, along with a cash gift.

Mr Olaniyan explained that the PCRC was a body that supported the police in building a better relationship between communities across the country.

He said that the recognition and award were given in honour of Ms Okuyiga’s dedication and commitment to saving and protecting lives and property during her service in the police force.

He noted that the honour formed part of the Nigeria Police Force’s celebration of 70 years of women in policing, which, he noted, would be held as a two-day event from December 3 to 4.

He added that the celebration would feature a national lecture, a historical exhibition, interactive panel sessions, and an outreach programme.

The PCRC national chairman described Ms Okuyiga as a national treasure whose dedication to duty and community relations continued to inspire both serving officers and the wider public.

According to him, Okuyiga, at 95 years old, was still going strong, and her longevity was a testament to her love for the country and her work.

Mr Olaniyan noted that she was a good example of a selfless and sacrificial leader, saying that she had put Nigeria first throughout her career.

He stated, “You joined the force with love, you love your humanity, your country and you served with love. Your story is an inspiration to many, and your legacy continues to motivate generations of police officers, particularly women. Your remarkable career was marked by numerous achievements, including your role in writing the “Origin of Policewomen in Nigeria, and Experiences. Your legacy will be remembered as one built on courage, professionalism and a deep sense of patriotism.’’

Also, the Chairman, PCRC, Rivers State Command, Voke Emore, lauded the nonagenarian for her 40 years of dedicated service to Nigeria.

Mr Emore stressed the need for collective action between the police and the communities to ensure national security and economic stability.

He also stated the importance of trust between the police and the community, urging the public to support the police, treat them as fellow citizens and report any crime or misconduct to the right authorities.

In response, Ms Okuyiga commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for the honour and for initiating the celebration of 70 years of women in policing in the country.

She emphasised the importance of parental responsibility in shaping Nigeria’s future.

Mr Okuyiga stated that adult delinquency was the root cause of the security challenges and societal problems in the country, adding that such issues could threaten Nigeria’s unity.

According to her, parents needed to be trained first, as children learned more from what they observed than from what they were told.

 “We don’t need delinquent parents anymore. Nigerians should love their neighbours, do good to strangers, appreciate people and help those in need, especially children in school, to foster unity,” she said.

She stressed that teaching children love, appreciation, and kindness would help them grow into responsible citizens who would work together towards a more united and harmonious society.

Ms Okuyiga was among the first women to be enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force in 1955.

(NAN)