The Anambra State Police Command has honoured its immediate past Commissioner of Police and newly promoted Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, with a series of events marking his birthday, retirement from the Nigeria Police Force, and years of service to the state.
The week-long activities began on Monday, August 3, with a birthday celebration attended by heads of sister security agencies, government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders, who offered prayers and goodwill messages in appreciation of his service and wished him success in retirement.
On Tuesday, the Anambra State Government organised a State Executive Council send-forth ceremony in his honour, recognising what it described as his outstanding contributions to security, peace and public safety in the state.
Speaking at the event, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, commended Orutugu’s leadership, describing him as an exceptional police officer whose tenure strengthened police-community relations, enhanced inter-agency collaboration and recorded notable successes in the fight against crime.
The governor noted that the retired senior officer’s collaborative approach to policing and strategic engagement with stakeholders contributed significantly to improving security across the state.
The celebrations climaxed with a ceremonial pull-out parade held at the Anambra State Police Command Headquarters in Awka, where serving and retired police officers, family members, government officials, traditional rulers, friends and other dignitaries gathered to bid him farewell.
The colourful ceremony, conducted in line with the traditions of the Nigeria Police Force, formally marked the end of Orutugu’s policing career after decades of service.
The parade featured the inspection of guards, ceremonial procession and presentation of honours, while colleagues and stakeholders paid glowing tributes to his professionalism, operational achievements and commitment to community-oriented policing.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command expressed appreciation to the Anambra State Government, sister security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders and residents for their support throughout Orutugu’s tenure as Commissioner of Police.
The command also wished the retired Assistant Inspector-General good health, a fulfilling retirement and success in his future endeavours, while assuring residents of its commitment to sustaining the security gains recorded under his leadership.
