13 May 2008
Members of the private sector have pledged their support for the maiden edition of The People Police Marathon, tagged 'Race Against Crime.' This much was disclosed at the Lagoon Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos at the weekend, when the Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Mbama Okiro, CFR, hosted members of the private sector to a dinner that formally agged off activities for the marathon.
The Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Bola Akingbade, while pledging the support of the telecoms giants, urged other Nigerians to support the police in its activities. "We identify with the noble objectives of this sporting event. I believe the Nigerian Police deserves every support from the Nigerian public. I pledge that when that time comes, MTN will be there to support the initiative, Akingbade noted.
Mr. Jacob Moyo-Ajekigbe, MD/CEO, First Bank Plc, while condoling with the families of policemen who have died in active service, highlighted the importance of police to the private sector. He said, "We as Bank operators and others suffer a lot from armed robbers and their activities. There is hardly any day banks in Nigeria do not suffer this kind of attack."
Continuing, the astute banker pledged the support of First Bank for the programme. "When we go to bed, the police is out there to protect lives and property. First Bank will support the Nigerian police and this noble event," he noted.
The Chairman of Toyota Nigeria Limited, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, identified himself as a friend of the Police who has consistently supported the police in many activities. The Toyota Chief noted, "By my very nature, I hate crime and when you hate crime, you will do everything to fight it. I am very happy to support this initiative because I am very concerned about people's safety. Toyota Nig. Ltd will give its unflinching support to this initiative," the business mogul promised
Mr. Chike Ogeah, the Managing Director of Skypower Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL), urged Nigerians not to have a stereotypical mind-set about the police. He also advised that Nigerians should help the police in getting better. "If we start doing things the right way, the Nigerian Police will become better. SAHCOL will be a partner in this cause.
Earlier in his address, the Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, CFR, noted that the Race Against Crime was designed to foster harmonious relationship between the police and the Nigerian people.
"The objectives of the People Police Marathon are to strike a synergy between the police and other stakeholders, as an integral part of effective crime prevention and control, enlist the support of the general populace on the all important civic obligation and create awareness on the need for community involvement, co-operation, collaboration and partnership as these represent critical elements of the concept of crime prevention," the police boss noted.
The People Police Marathon, tagged, 'Race Against Crime', is an initiative, organised by MarketingMix and Sublime Communications, and endorsed by the Nigerian police.
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