In a historic ceremony held on Thursday, December 21, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Akwa Ibom State Command decorated over 300 deserving officers with new ranks, marking a significant achievement in the history of the corps.
The event, presided over by the Akwa Ibom State NSCDC boss, Comdt Eluyemi Eluwade, became a testament to the dedication and hard work displayed by the officers in their recent promotion exercise.
This was contained in a statement issued by the command’s public relations officer, SC Friday Ekerete, and sent to The nation.
In his address, Commandant Eluwade commended the officers for their commitment and urged them to reciprocate the support extended by the minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr. Abubakar Ahmed Audi.
Highlighting the magnitude of this achievement, Commandant Eluwade noted that the number of officers promoted in 2023 was the highest ever recorded since the establishment of the corps two decades ago.
He emphasized the motivational impact of promotions, particularly for those who had patiently waited for 6-10 years on a single rank, underscoring the adage that “God’s time is the best.”
Addressing the newly promoted officers, Comdt Eluwade reminded them that with greater responsibility comes higher expectations.
He called upon them to exhibit dedication, loyalty, and commitment in fulfilling the core mandates of the corps, which include protecting lives, properties, critical infrastructures, and executing any task assigned to them as senior officers.
The decoration ceremony saw the elevation of four officers to the position of Deputy Commandant of Corps, 15 officers to Assistant Commandant of Corps, 21 officers to Chief Superintendent of Corps, and 30 officers to Superintendent of Corps.
Notable figures like the command’s spokesperson, SC Friday Ekerete, SC Kokoette Etefia Oladipo, and SC Mike Asibor were among those adorned with their new ranks.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of distinguished personalities, including CC Mathew Olonisaye from the Federal Road Safety Corps, representatives from NDLEA, Nigeria Army, Nigeria Immigration, Nigeria Corrections, Nigeria Air Force, and CSP Nuhu Mathias from the Nigeria Police Quick Response Squad.
The service commanders shared invaluable words of advice with the celebrants.
Amidst an electrifying atmosphere, families turned out in large numbers to celebrate this momentous occasion with their loved ones, adding to the joyous ambiance at the NSCDC Akwa Ibom State Command headquarters.