The Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Fatai Owoseni, on Wednesday urged Nigerians to change their misconceptions about the Nigeria Police.
Owoseni said this at the 2016 Police Week Celebration held at the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) Hall, Oduduwa, Ikeja.
The CP, who was represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, (DCP) Lawal Ado, said that the week was organised to sensitise young Nigerians about the police as a profession.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the week has as its theme: “Police is your Friend.”
Owoseni said: “There is always a need to talk to you about our career because some of you may decide to become police officers tomorrow.
“I know in Nigeria there are misconceptions about the Nigeria Police but by the time you are through with the programme, you will realise that police is your friend.
“The Nigerian Police are trained and disciplined and that is why we are doing this to catch you young and train you,” he said.
Owoseni said before anybody could enlist in the force, he or she must have interest.
“Police are good people; they help when you are being oppressed.
“Police force is rendering service to humanity; tell your friends and parents to call the police when they are in distress and we will be there,” he said.
The commissioner also advised students, who attended the programme, to be of good conduct, face their studies and be good citizens of Nigeria.
NAN reports that students from Chosen International School, Festac; Police Children School, Festac; Command Day Secondary School, Ikeja and Bello Memorial Nursery and Primary School Maryland, among others, were at the event.
The Coordinator of the career talk, CSP Monday Agbonika, gave a brief history of the Nigeria Police and listed the formations.
Agbonika said the talk was to aid the students in career decisions and also encourage patriotism among them.
“When you look at the requirements in the Nigeria Police and the activities, you will realise that they are things you cannot just bring yourselves to, except you love Nigeria.
“It is also good for you to know that crime does not pay because those that get involved in crime end up in bad situations,” he said.
NAN reports that the students were taught their rights according to the 2007 Child Right Law.
They were also sensitised on the duties of the police in the areas of crime prevention, protection of lives and property, and enforcement of law and order.
The students were also enlightened on requirements for different points of entry into the Nigeria Police and the various ranks of the officers. (NAN)