By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-chief)
As activities for the National Police Day kicks-off across police formations in the country, the Ebonyi State Police Command, on Monday, commenced its own activities to mark the event.
An earlier statement by the Command's Spokesman, Mr Joshua Ukandu, a Superintendent of Police, said the event started in Ebonyi with a large-scale environmental sanitation exercise and a community-focused medical outreach, underscoring its commitment to public safety, preventive healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
Ukandu said on Monday, during the exercise in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital, that the initiative was part of a nationwide programme aimed at "strengthening police-community relations while promoting health consciousness and environmental responsibility among citizens.
The sanitation exercise which was simultaneously conducted at the State Command Headquarters and extended to the busy Spera indeo axis of Abakaliki, according to Ukandu, targeted the removal of accumulated waste and environmental hazards that pose risks to public health and security.
“The Command deemed it necessary to bring this exercise to Sperando due to its strategic importance as a commercial hub and its high human and vehicular traffic. The volume of refuse evacuated from the area reflects the urgent need for sustained environmental hygiene practices,” Ukandu stated.
The Police PRO pointed out that the indiscriminate waste disposal, including plastics, sachet water nylons, and food containers, not only degrades the environment but also contributes to public health challenges and obstructs urban safety management systems.
The Command is equally conducting a free medical outreach at the Police Officers’ Mess alongside the sanitation exercise. It is also offering essential health services to both police personnel and members of the public.
The outreach includes screening for vital health indicators such as blood pressure, blood glucose levels, HIV, and hepatitis B, among other routine medical checks.
The health initiative, Ukandu emphasized, is designed to promote early detection and prevention of non-communicable and infectious diseases, thereby enhancing the overall well-being and operational readiness of officers while extending critical healthcare access to the community.
“This outreach is open to all members of the public. We encourage residents to take advantage of the opportunity to assess their health status and receive professional medical advice,” he added.
The Ebonyi State Command, as part of the event's weeklong activities, has scheduled a walk-a-thon aimed at promoting physical fitness among officers and increasing public visibility of policing efforts.
According to Ukandu, the exercise will involve officers traversing major routes within the Abakaliki metropolis, reinforcing the message of a people-oriented police force.
A sensitization campaign is also planned to address key societal concerns, including traffic regulation compliance and electoral integrity. The programme will engage transport operators, commuters, and critical stakeholders in discussions on road safety, lawful conduct, and the prevention of electoral offences such as ballot snatching and violence.
The Police Command reiterated that the National Police Day activities are being replicated across state commands nationwide as part of a coordinated strategy to deepen public trust, enhance civic responsibility, and reaffirm the Nigeria Police Force’s role in safeguarding lives, property, and public health.
The Command assured that it will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies and community stakeholders to sustain the gains of the exercise and promote a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment across Ebonyi State. (additional report from national panel online). NNL.