By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
THE Delta State Police Command has capped the year with a colourful end-of-year celebration, promotion decoration and send-forth ceremony in honour of AIG Olufemi Abaniwonda, following his elevation to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police.
The event, held on 30 December 2025 at the Officers’ Mess, Police Headquarters, Asaba, marked the end of AIG Abaniwonda’s tenure as the 22nd Commissioner of Police in Delta State.
It attracted top government officials, security chiefs, senior police officers, religious and community leaders, and members of the police family.
Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, who conveyed the Governor’s goodwill message.
He commended AIG Abaniwonda for his professionalism, people-oriented leadership and effective collaboration with the state government, sister security agencies and other stakeholders in maintaining peace and security across Delta State.
The ceremony also featured the decoration of officers promoted to higher ranks.
Among those decorated were Ukoba Stephen, Divisional Crime Officer, Sapele Division; Akawe Ogorchukwu, Divisional Police Officer, Abavo Division; and Aguba Onen, Divisional Police Officer, Galilee Division, who were all promoted from the rank of Superintendent of Police to Chief Superintendent of Police.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Brigade Commander, 63 Brigade Nigerian Army; the Director of the Department of State Services, Delta State Command; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Delta State; and the Delta State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, represented by the Deputy Commander of Narcotics (Operations).
Also present were the Deputy Commissioners of Police in charge of Administration and Operations, the Controller of Corrections of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Delta State Command, represented, the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, and delegates of the Police Officers’ Wives Association.
Others in attendance were members of the Police Community Relations Committee, honorary members of the Police Officers’ Mess, Area and Tactical Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, senior officers of the Command and other invited guests.
Speakers at the event paid glowing tributes to AIG Abaniwonda, describing him as a firm but compassionate leader whose operational oversight, commitment to professionalism and sustained inter-agency and community engagement strengthened security coordination and boosted public confidence in policing in the state.
In his remarks, AIG Abaniwonda expressed profound gratitude to the Delta State Government, the people of the state, sister security agencies and officers and men of the Command for their support throughout his tenure.
He urged personnel to remain professional and dedicated to their duties.
The ceremony concluded with a group photograph session and cordial interactions, bringing the year to a memorable close and marking a dignified transition for a senior officer whose leadership impact remains evident within the Delta State Police Command.
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