A wave of advancement has swept through the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) as 109 officers ascended to new ranks, a move that underscores the commitment of the Service to reward excellence and hard work.
The grand decoration ceremony took place in Benin City on the 12th of December, 2024, presided over by the State Controller of Corrections, Philomena Emehinola, who herself reached the prestigious rank of Assistant Controller General.
Emehinola didn’t mince words as she charged the newly promoted officers with a renewed call to duty, urging them to embody greater discipline and dedication.
“These promotions are not just rewards; they are a call to elevate our service,” Emehinola declared. She highlighted the unprecedented strides under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, noting his “benevolent” support for the Correctional Service, particularly with the historic promotion of over 12,000 personnel in 2024.
“Since the coming of the president, Sen. Bola Tinubu, he has shown more support to the correctional service. Our promotion is not delayed, and we are sure that the 2025 promotion will even come earlier than this,” she affirmed, adding a rallying cry:
“Let’s continue to move the service forward. Nobody else can do it for us. All of us have to brace up, be more disciplined and hardworking to take the service to an enviable height.”
While celebrating the newly elevated officers, Emehinola offered reassurance to those awaiting their turn, encouraging patience and perseverance: “Your promotions will come at God’s allotted time. Stay prepared.”
She provided details of the promotions, revealing that eight officers climbed to the rank of Deputy Controller (DC), another eight to Assistant Controller (AC), 12 became Chief Superintendents, 10 Superintendents, 32 Deputy Superintendents, 22 Assistant Superintendents I, and 13 Assistant Superintendents III.
In a heartfelt response, DC Smart Omonua, speaking on behalf of the newly decorated officers, expressed gratitude to the Service’s leadership.
He vowed that the officers would justify the elevation through their unrelenting dedication to duty, driving the Service towards greater achievements.