BENIN CITY-The Inspector-General of Police Mr Solomon Arase has commissioned a police housing estate sited in Egba, Ugua and Oka Communities, near Benin City in Ikpoba-Okha local government area of Edo State, last weekend.
Also commissioned by the IGP were the police Cottage Hospital in G.R.A and a 300-sitter Lecture Hall at Ogida police barracks, both in Benin City.
The estate, christened Omo N’ Oba Erediauwa CFR Police Housing Estate is comprised of 50 bungalows of two flats of two-bedroom each.
IG Arase said the project would address accommodation challenges confronting the inspectorate and rank and file in Edo police command.
He stated that it will further advance the welfare and boost the morale of officers for efficient service delivery.
He however expressed joy that he has delivered on his promises and the social contract he reached with officers when he was made the IGP.
“I had a social contract with them, I said before I leave as the Inspector-General of Police I am going to touch their lives in such a profound manner.
“I will give their children scholarships, I will promote them and I will give them housing. I have delivered on all the promises I made to them”. IG Arase stated.
He disclosed that the project was undertaken by the Police Cooperative Society and Nigeria Police Property Development in conjunction with a private developer.
The police boss maintained that the naming of the estate after the Oba Erediauwa was in cognizance and appreciation of his sterling role in internal security and policing in Benin kingdom.
He disclosed that seven states in Nigeria has also benefited from similar project.
The governor of the state Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government Prof. Julius Ihonvbere congratulated the IG for his vision.
He stated that the state government would look at possible areas that deserve the government intervention and partnership
The Iyase of Benin kingdom Chief Sam Igbe who represented Oba Palace thanked the host communities and the police authorities for the naming the estate after the Oba who joined his ancestors recently.
“My father, the Oba who is on a journey will be glad for this”. The Iyase stated.
A beneficiary of the housing scheme Inspector Patricia Osile thanked the IG for intervening in their welfare.
Speaking on behalf of the host communities Mr Efosa Osaheni stated that expressed reservation over alleged failure of the police to redeem the promise made to the host communities.
“We plead with the authorities concerned to pay our entitlements without delay to avoid breakdown of law and order that may hinder the project. The host communities threatened.
Highpoint of the ceremony was cutting of the tape by Chief Sam Igbe assisted by the IG, HOS, SSG and Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly Elizabeth Ativie.
Among others present at the occasion were the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly Mrs Elizabeth Atkvie, state head of service Mrs Gladys Idahor, some service chiefs, Enigie of the three communities.
