A total of 520 delegates of women security personnel from over 18 African countries converged on Abuja, Nigeria, as the African Region Training Conference International by the International Association of Women Police (IAWP) kicked off on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.
The conference commenced with a ceremonious opening at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Abuja, according to a statement by the Force spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
In attendance was the wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as the special guest of honour.
She was represented by the wife of the Honourable Minister of Works, Mrs Rachel Umahi.
The conference themed: “Addressing Africa’s Security Challenges and Safety through Collaboration and Inclusivity,” aims at training women police and other security and law enforcement officers and equipping them with the knowledge and skills for battling crimes and security threats in a modern and evolving society, most especially at their various regions on the African continent.
The African countries from where the delegates came included Nigeria, Angola, Botswana, Ghana, Liberia, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Niger, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Congo, among others.
Other dignitaries at the event included the former Vice President of Liberia, United Nations Representatives, Minister of State, Police Affairs, Minister of State for the FCT, Chairman Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Chairman House Committee on Police Institutions, and other strategic stakeholders.
As part of his vision of reform policies for the Nigeria Police Force, the chief host of the conference, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, launched the NPF Gender Policy, which would ensure gender sensitivity and inclusivity in the policy and operations of the Nigeria Police Force.
The IGP also reassured of the commitment of the present police leadership to gender inclusivity at all levels.
The conference signified a great milestone in the achievement of a modern police force that is gender-sensitive, gender-inclusive and consequently progressive.
