President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inaugurated the Police Veterans Foundation on Tuesday, initiated by the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, PSC, Dr Solomon Arase, to cater for the needs of retired Police Officers in the country
The President who was represented by the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, lauded the conceptualisation of the Foundation initiated by Dr Arase, the Chairman, of the PSC, a retired Inspector General of Police (IGP).
`According to him, “the conceptualization of the Police Veterans’ Foundation, which has crystallised to its launch today, is not only thoughtful but a great initiative.
`”I, therefore, salute the brains behind this noble idea and laudable project aimed at improving the welfare of the police retirees and renewing their hopes to live out their lives in dignity and comfort.
“As we gathered here today, it is important we reflect on the cost of peace and security in Nigeria. This is to enable us to fully appreciate and thank our police veterans for placing the nation’s security before their own lives,” he said.
The President pointed out that the courage, sacrifices, and commitment of the veterans to peace and security had created a huge debt that Nigeria could not commensurately repay.
According to him, supporting and assisting the police veterans is rather a moral imperative and not obligatory on the government at all levels, including well-meaning members of society.
While speaking, the initiator of the foundation, Dr Arase, said that the foundation would serve as a beacon of support and solidarity, reinforcing the enduring legacy of service, loyalty, hard work, and commitment that defines the Nigeria Police Force.
According to him, the retired police officers whose welfare we seek to improve through the establishment and launch of this foundation are our national heroes.
Arase said the retired officers had remained heroes of peace and the epitome of sacrifice who had demonstrated professionalism under the most trying circumstances, putting their lives on the line for the country.
According to him, “We should, therefore, be constantly inspired by the commitments and courage of our retired officers. I consider this as an inescapable call to national duty for senior citizens to be shown love, assistance and support as our collective token of appreciation
“The foundation represents a historic moment as it signifies commitment and an eloquent testament to address the pressing needs of retired officers and their families.”.
He said the inauguration of the foundation was a golden opportunity for Nigerians to commemorate the incredible bravery and strength of retired police officers.
Dr Arase said it was also an opportunity for citizens to express their gratitude to the noblemen and women who dedicated their youthful zest, intelligence, and vigour to the peace and security of the country.
According to him, “As we mobilise support and assistance for retired police officers, it is important to note that this noble project cannot be actualized without understanding, cooperation, and love from the public.
“I therefore urge everyone to get involved in this noble act of humanity and humaneness by supporting the foundation and putting smiles on the faces of our veterans.
“This will not only help them to age gracefully in comfort and dignity but will also spur serving police officers to greater dedication and commitment,” he added.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the foundation, Mr. Yusufu Aminu, said the foundation was created to improve the living conditions of police officers at retirement.
He said the foundation would create a platform for the retired officers to meet at regular intervals to discuss common challenges among the retirees with a view to resolving the challenges
Aminu said the focus of the foundation would be in the areas of health, group insurance, skill acquisition, business development, and counselling for retired officers.
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