The Nigeria Police Enugu state command, has named the 100 unit two bedroom semi detached bungalows police estate after former Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Ogbonnaya Onovo.
Inaugurating the estate on Thursday in Enugu, the I-G Solomon Arase said that the leadership of the police force decided to immortalise Onovo for his contributions to the development of the police.
He said that the houses were built to assist police officers from lower ranks to inspectors.
“From the moment I resumed office as the I-G, the first thing that came to my mind was how to reduce the sufferings of officers and men of the police.
“It is my pleasure to bring to your notice that I built this estate in recognition of my former boss, Mr Ogbonna Onovo because of his immense contributions to my life as a police officer.
“He was there for me in bad and in good time, so I wish to honour him as he is still alive,” he said.
Arase warned the occupants not to turn the estate into a barrack but use it to strengthen police relationship with civilians.
The I-G said that 30 per cent of flats in the estate would be set aside for non police officers.
In a message he delivered at the event, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state commended the I-G for his magnanimity to the force.
Ugwuanyi, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo, urged the beneficiaries to take proper care of the estate as a mark of appreciation to the I-G.
In his remarks, the former I-G, Mr Ogbonna Onovo, expressed gratitude to Arase for recognising him in his life time.
He also commended Arase for transforming the police and urged him not to relent until the nation’s police force is repositioned.
“It is my pleasure to witness this occasion, more especially as the estate was built in my named and very close to my home town.
“I wish to say that you all are here to honour me and the police at large and I pray that this kind of gesture will reach you all,” Onovo said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the I-G also named a similar estate in Umuahia after former I-G Mike Okiro. (NAN)
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