The Nigerian Police Trust Fund has begun the construction of a state-of-the-art divisional police station in Ekinrin-Adde, a community in Ijumu Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Saturday, with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund, Mohammed Seidu, overseeing the event. The new station aims to provide a conducive working environment for police officers, enhancing their ability to maintain security and order in the region.
Seidu highlighted the strategic importance of Kogi State, situated at the center of Nigeria, with Ijumu LGA bordering four other states. He emphasized that this location makes it an ideal spot for the new divisional station, which will not only improve the operational effectiveness of the police but also contribute to the security of lives and property, particularly at the grassroots level. He urged the contractor to complete the project within three to four months, ensuring it meets high standards of quality and is fully furnished.
The Executive Secretary also commended the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his unwavering support in improving the welfare and working conditions of police personnel, which has significantly boosted the force’s performance. He reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund to continue supporting the police and to ensure a safer environment for Nigerians across the country. Seidu confirmed that similar projects would be implemented nationwide in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Kogi State’s Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, expressed gratitude for the new station, stressing the importance of bringing security closer to the people in remote communities. He assured that the station would increase the presence of police personnel in the area, creating a better working environment and enabling officers to perform their duties more effectively. Onuoha reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring safety and security in the region.
Local leaders, including the Chairman of Ijumu LGA, Haruna Ibrahim, and the Olu-Ade of Ekinrin-Adde, Anthony Bamigbaiye, also expressed their appreciation for the project. Bamigbaiye highlighted that the community, with a population of over 25,000, currently has only one police officer, making the new station crucial for enhancing security and promoting local economic development. Toyin Abubakar, the contractor from RASWAS Nig. Ltd., assured stakeholders of his commitment to delivering a high-quality station, with plans to complete the project by March 2025.
