After weeks of having its image smeared from police personnel’s handling of the crises that followed the EndSARS protest, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has something to be proud of, as the United Nations (UN) has selected a Chief Superintendent (CSP), Catherine Ugorji, who is currently serving with the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) for the Woman Police Officer of the Year Award.
The global organisation made the announcement via the official Twitter account of the UN office in Nigeria. Ugorji was selected as one of two runners-up for the prestigious award for the year 2020.
UN Under-Secretary General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix and UN Police Advisor, Luis Carrilho, have both attested to the good behaviour of Ugorji.
Speaking of Ugorji’s character, Lacroix said the police officer’s actions and words exemplify the best of UN policing. Carrilho, on his part, said Ugorji’s leadership of three Formed Police Units (FPU) in Gao was remarkable, having worked diligently to improve the living conditions of women police officers.
“Her tactical operations have been instrumental in reducing crime in the area, in support of the Malian security forces and the host population,” Carrilho stated.
Commenting on the development, the National Information Officer, UN System in Nigeria, Oluseyi Soremekun, said of the 1,300 UN police women deployed in UN peacekeeping operations, 21 were nominated for the award and Ugorji is among the top three finalists.
Chief Inspector Doreen Malambo of Zambia, who is serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), would receive the award, which would be presented during a virtual ceremony to be presided over by Mr Lacroix on Tuesday, November 3.
Ugorji joined the NPF in 2003 and served as Criminal Investigator from the local to regional level, Child Protection Officer, Divisional Crime Officer up to Acting Deputy Commander of the Ogudu Police Division in Lagos.(Guardian)