Edo Governor Charges 493 New Police Constables to Shun Corruption, Protect Communities
BENIN CITY, Edo State – January 23, 2025 – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has urged 493 newly recruited police constables from Edo and Delta States to uphold integrity and serve their communities diligently. The governor addressed the constables at their passing-out parade at the Police Training School, Ogida, Benin City, following the completion of Course 3 of 2024.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized the importance of their training in building community trust and upholding the law fairly. He stressed the need to shun corruption and work collaboratively with communities to prevent crime. The governor assured the constables of the state government's support in providing the necessary resources for their success. He highlighted their role in protecting lives and property, stating, "Edo State and Nigeria depend on you. Serve with honour and duty, and together, we will make our State great."
The passing-out parade was part of a nationwide event marking the graduation of approximately 10,000 constables from the 2022 recruitment batch, as announced by Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, represented at the ceremony by AIG Zone 5, Arungwa Nwazue Udoka. The IGP noted that this recruitment is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s plan to address the police manpower shortage by recruiting 30,000 officers nationwide.
Commandant of the Police Training School, Ogida, ACP Aigbe Aghaghowa, detailed the recruitment process, stating that 493 constables – 181 female and 312 male – successfully completed their training. This included 228 recruits from Edo State (143 male, 85 female) and 265 from Delta State (169 male, 96 female).
The ceremony concluded with awards presented to outstanding recruits, including Imoh Patience Udoka, who received the award for overall best recruit from Governor Okpebholo. Other awards were presented by the representative of the IGP and the State Police Commissioner.