Towards improving the standard of living of members of the force, the Nigerian Police has completed a 100 Housing Unit Estate in Umuahia, Abia State, which was named ‘Sir Mike Obama Okiro Housing Estate’.
The commissioning was graced by high profile personalities in the persons including the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, Deputy of Governor of Abia State Sir Ude Oko Chukwu(who represented the Executive Governor of Abia State) the Royal Fathers, Traditional Rulers Assistant Inspector Generals of Police, Commissioners of Police, MD/CEO Platinum Mortgage Bank, Emmanuel Mbaka and members of the general public.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase said “The estate is one of his strategic plans as the inspector general of police” he further stated that the estate which is an undertaken of the Nigerian Police Force Corporative Society, comprises of 100 housing units of two bedroom flats for officers and members of the Nigerian Police Force.
He also mentioned that similar projects have been done prior to this “ Prior to this similar projects have been completed and handed over to inspector and rank and file cadre in Katsina, Adamawa and FCT.” This project was made possible “through the engagement of direct labour, using our assets in logistics and supply department to construct such houses. In addition, the Force has also been partnering with some private developers, the 1004 housing units in Dutsen Town, FCT, is being built by the MPL Property Development Company in collaboration with Shelter Afrique UN Habitat and just recently Brick City Housing Project in Kubwa was also commissioned under Public Private Partnership(PPP) Initiative.
He further explained that 100 housing unit estate was named after the Chairman Police Service Commission, IGP Sir Obama Okiro, in recognition of his contribution to the Nigerian Police Force. Saying that “under his tenure as the Inspector General of Police, the force was able to reclaim its lost glory, he recruited and ensured quality training of officers as well as advanced the welfare of officers and men of the force. As the chairman of Police Service Commission, he continues to fight for the interest of the police personnel while that discipline and integrity remain one of the bedrocks of the force. He has also distinguished himself as a very sound public relations guru and very sociable officer and he remains a reference point in police leadership till today.” Solomon Arase reiterated that the naming of the estate is in appreciation of his outstanding qualities and also ceased the opportunity to appreciate the Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces, the President, Mohammadu Buhari for being “an invaluable motivator” to the force leadership in the drive to reforming and addressing the endemic challenges in the Nigerian Police, which have been militating over their performance over the years.
He concluded by Commending the developer, Emmanuel Mbaka for keeping to the agreement and for delivering quality houses for Nigerian Police. He also thanked him for the provision of well-furnished Police Station in the estate.
