In a bid to recognise the sacrifices of retired policewomen, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has called on stakeholders across the country not to abandon female officers after service, but to leverage their wealth of experience for national development.
The National Chairman of the PCRC, Alhaji Magaji Olaniyan Ibrahim, made the appeal in Abuja during the committee’s national meeting and special recognition ceremony organised to honour retired female police officers as part of activities marking 70 years of women’s service in the Nigeria Police Force.
Alhaji Ibrahim reaffirmed the organisation’s unwavering support and loyalty to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, commending his leadership and commitment to strengthening national security and police reform.
He said the PCRC chose the occasion to both demonstrate solidarity with the IGP and celebrate women who had dedicated decades of their lives to policing.
“Last month, we honoured serving police officers with meritorious awards. Today, we are celebrating retired policewomen who served this nation with distinction,” he said.
Among the honourees is DCP Dame Stella Obuoforibo Okuyiga, KBVM, JP (Rtd.), one of the pioneering 20 women who joined the Nigeria Police Force. Now 96 years old and unable to travel, a PCRC delegation visited Port Harcourt to present her award in person.
The other retired award recipients, nominated from across the six geopolitical zones by the IGP, include:
- SP Aisha Shuaibu
- SP Phoebe Vincent Nigel
- DSP Patu Daniel
- DSP Mariam Daniel
- DSP Scholasticar Ovie
- DSP Aina Usman
All were recognised for their sacrifices, professionalism, and contributions to national security. They also received financial support to boost their livelihoods in retirement.
Alhaji Ibrahim lamented that many retired policewomen are often neglected despite years of dedicated service, noting that their discipline, leadership, and experience remain invaluable to the nation.
“Women are reliable and dedicated, yet they face major challenges securing opportunities after retirement. Men easily find placements, but women are overlooked. We must change this mindset,” he said.
He cited the example of a retired Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Ige, who was appointed Chief Security Officer of Osun State by the former governor—now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy—where she successfully coordinated the Amotekun Corps and delivered one of the most effective security structures in the region.
“This proves that when retired female officers are empowered, they excel. As the oldest support group of the Nigeria Police Force, the PCRC will lead the advocacy to ensure they are not forgotten but their wealth of experience is put to use,” he added.
He urged PCRC state chapters to identify and recommend retired policewomen for community roles and security-related opportunities, noting that doing so would motivate younger officers and enrich national security structures.
Some of the award recipients expressed joy and gratitude, saying the recognition renewed their sense of pride and strengthened their belief in the value of their service.
They also encouraged government agencies and private organisations to emulate the PCRC by acknowledging the sacrifices of retired female officers.
Other activities at the national meeting included the formal adoption of the PCRC’s new constitution and elections into select positions within the national executive.
LV