By Kenneth Onuoha
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Ahmad Abdurrahman, has bagged a fellowship award of the Institute of Peace, Conflict and Development Studies of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
Conferring the award on the commissioner on Thursday at ESUT’s Main Campus, Agbani near Enugu, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Charles Eze, said that Abdurrahman merited the award for his exemplary qualities as a peace-lover.
According to Eze, Abdurrahman’s sterling qualities as an incorruptible officer and peace maker who resolves issues through alternative dispute resolution methods stands him out.
The acting chancellor said: “In our present day, it is difficult to find a police officer very passionate with his job and highly forthright and would not collect ‘a thank you gift’ from those he served.
“He is humble and contributed a lot through his sacrifice to bring the security we have come to continue to enjoy after some men of the underworld decided to toy with the peace in the state.
“But now, we have peace and security and we can sleep with our two eyes closed.
“So, ESUT through the institute today decided to honour whom honour is due and the whole council of the university through the institute is delighted to confer on you this award,’’ Eze said.
Earlier, Prof. Felix Asogwa, Director of Institute of Peace, Conflict and Development Studies of ESUT, stated that the award was meant to celebrate a man with symbolic humility and service to humanity.
Asogwa noted that since Abdurrahman took over as commissioner of police in the state, he had left no one in doubt regarding his resolve to carry out his duty with a huge sense of duty, dedication and integrity.
Asogwa added that the receipent handled COVID-19 and EndSARS challenges with professionalism and intellectual perfection; adding that he was the first Commissioner of Police to organise a seminar for his officers and men to boost their morale to resume duty in earnest after the EndSARS marches turned violent.
“Enugu state, today, is adjudged as the safest state in the country due to the sacrifice and contribution, as well as exemplary leadership style of Abdurrahman,’’ he said.
Responding, the Commissioner said that he felt very elated for the award conferred on him, adding; “I do not have the capacity or words in thanking ESUT for their great decision to honour me today’’.
Abdurrahman, however, called on the university and its array of academia to continue to groom and mentor the youths, adding; “Nigeria youths are not lazy but needed mentorship and proper guidance to excel’’.
“I appeal to the university to continue to groom and search for youthful talents that will be guided to take over leadership and bring lasting peace, progress and oneness in the country.
“Nigeria must remain indivisible and we all must contribute our little quota to ensure that our fatherland succeeded,’’ he said.
The fellowship conferment was witnessed by top academia in ESUT, top police officers in Enugu state as well as friends, well-wishers and family members of the commissioner.