Delta Police Command celebrates Year-End, honours promoted officers, bids farewell to AIG Abaniwonda

Stanley Ihedigbo

Delta State Police Command had a colourful End-of-Year Celebration, promotion decoration, and send-forth ceremony in honour of AIG Olufemi Abaniwonda, the 22nd Commissioner of Police in Delta State, following his elevation to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG).

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, the event, which took place at the Officers’ Mess, Police Headquarters, Asaba, attracted top government officials, security chiefs, senior police officers, religious and community leaders, as well as members of the police family.

The Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, was ably represented at the ceremony by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, who conveyed the Governor’s goodwill message. He commended AIG Abaniwonda for his professionalism, effective leadership, and robust collaboration with the Delta State Government, sister security agencies, stakeholders, and the people of the state.

The ceremony also featured the decoration of officers recently promoted to higher ranks. Among those decorated were Ukoba Stephen, DCO, Sapele Division; Akawe Ogorchukwu, DPO, Abavo Division; and Aguba Onen, DPO, Galilee Division, all of whom were promoted from Superintendent of Police (SP) to Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

Several dignitaries graced the occasion, including the Brigade Commander, 63 Brigade Nigerian Army; the Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Delta State Command; the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Delta State; and the Delta State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), represented by the Deputy Commander of Narcotics (Operations).

Also present were the Deputy Commissioners of Police (Administration and Operations), Delta State Command; the Controller of Corrections, Nigerian Correctional Service, Delta State Command, represented; the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); delegates of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA); the Chairman and members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Delta State Chapter; honorary members of the Police Officers’ Mess; Area Commanders; Tactical Commanders; Divisional Police Officers (DPOs); senior officers of the Command; and other invited guests.

Speakers at the event paid glowing tributes to AIG Abaniwonda, describing him as a people-oriented leader with firm operational oversight, a strong commitment to professionalism, and sustained inter-agency and community engagement.

They noted that his leadership significantly enhanced security coordination and boosted public confidence in policing across Delta State.

In his response, AIG Abaniwonda expressed profound gratitude to the Delta State Government and the people of the state, sister security agencies, and officers and men of the Command for their unwavering support.

He urged personnel to remain professional, disciplined, and dedicated to their duties in the service of the nation.

The ceremony concluded with group photographs and cordial interactions among guests, bringing the year to a memorable close and marking a dignified transition for a senior officer whose leadership and impact will remain indelible within the Delta State Police Command.