By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
It was glitz and glamour weekend in Lagos as the Force Marine Officer (FMO) CSP Benedicth Nwosu organised a colour party to send -off two of his predecessors, ACP Benjamin Ogungbure and CSP Iwuozo Chinedu Callistus, who retired meritoriously from service of the Nigeria Police Force after 35years.
While Ogungbure, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, the immediate pass FMO retired on 12th March,2024, Iwuozo a Chief Superintendent of Police retired on 1st April 2019.
The ostentatious occasion, held at the Onikan Jetty of the Marine Police Headquarters, Lagos Annex, drew guests from within and outside the shore of Lagos as far as Kogi, Ondo, Imo, Abuja among others.
It had in attendance former State Marine Officers (SMO), Divisional Marine Officers (DMO) which include a former Kogi, Rivers State SMO, SP Eremiye, PMO Emiloju Eretan, DMO, SP Ojutiwon, DSP Timothy Kolawole, SP Adeleke, DSP Clement Austin, DSP Steve Imodu, Chief Abu Isele, ex- Station Officer, Engr Omojoye amongst others.
The colourful event was also graced by eminent personalities outside the police circle, amongst them are Hon. Raymond Tedunjaye (JP) and his wife Deaconess Ajoke Tedunjaye, Prince Surulere Akinbule, President Artisans and Fishermen Association, Amb. Deacon Poly. C Ezumohia, a former governorship aspirant in Imo state and Secretary General Umudimodu Amaukwu-Orodo Development Community, Mbaitoli, the Baale of Apollo – Makoko Chief Ogungbure, Bishop Jato, DSP Mike Ijakpa (rtd).
Serving police officers, which include the former Divisonal Police Officer (DPO) Anthony Division, Lagos, CSP Patricha Amadin Idahosa, the State Marine Officer SP Ekure Pedro Irikefe and personnel of the Unit were also not left out of the glamorous occasion.
In his opening remarks, the FMO CSP Nwosu noted that the reception was organised to appreciate and honour the celebrants for their contributions and meritorious service to the nation through the Marine Unit of the Nigeria Police Force.
The FMO applauded their leadership and mentorship acumen, saying it will remain a reference point in the history of the Unit, just as he wished them well in all their endeavours.
Also speaking at the event, the Secretary General Umudimodu Amaukwu-Orodo Development Community, Mbaitoli , Amb. Deacon Poly. C Ezumohia, described CSP Iwuozo as a selfless, compassionate and God fearing leader, with passion for development and assistance to mankind.
He hinted that the Umudimodu Amaukwu-Orodo Development Community has also concluded arrangements to honour CSP Iwuozo on 27th December 2024 for his developmental stride for the community.
In his appreciation speech on behalf of the celebrants, CSP Iwuozo appreciated God for counting them worthy for the honour and appreciation and the grace to serve meritoriously.
He also applauded the FMO CSP Nwosu for his resolve to generate resources to organise the event inspite the hatch economic situation.
The former FMO, now a consultant in maritime security expressed joy for the presence of erstwhile heads of the Unit, lauding their mentorship in the police culture.
” I want to appreciate all these my ogas for their presence because they taught us the act of effective policing such as investigation, crime detection and others. These are the people that mentored us in the Nigeria Police culture.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards of appreciation and sent-forth to the celebrants by the Force Marine Officer (FMO) CSP Nwosu Benedict.
