United Nations recognizes Nigerian Police woman for award on peacekeeping
The United Nations (UN) has selected a female Nigerian Police, Catherine Ugorji, serving with the UNMultidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) as one of two runners-up for the prestigious UN Woman Police Officer of the Year award for 2020.
Penpushing reports that, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix in a statement said the Chief Superintendent through words and actions exemplifies the best of United Nations policing
The statement added that, the Nigerian policewoman has worked diligently to improve living conditions for women police officers so they can serve safely and with dignity, stressing that, “through both her words and actions, United Nations Police Officer Ugorji exemplifies the best of United Nations policing”.
Penpushing also reports that, the United Nations Police Advisor, Luis Carrilho while congratulating the Nigerian Policewoman, said her choice as a runner up showed that her leadership of three former police unit has been remarkable.
“MINUSMA United Nations Police Officer Ugorji’s leadership of three Formed Police Units in Gao has been remarkable, and Catherine has introduced tactical operations that have been instrumental in reducing crime in the area, in support of the Malian security forces and the host population.”
“In addition to this very demanding role, Chief Superintendent Ugorji has worked diligently to improve living conditions for women police officers so they can serve safely and with dignity,” Carrilho added.
Penpushing reports that Ugorji was deployed t0 the UNMultidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)in 2018, and has demonstrated exemplary conduct throughout her deployment in Mali where she serves as a Formed Police Unit (FPU) Coordinator in Gao.
The Nigerian policewoman has been liaising and coordinating with local authorities and civil society to finalize United Nations Police operations to reassure the population in the conduct of normal activities in an area of insecurity due to the incursion of terrorist and armed groups.
Penpushing further reports that, she received commendation for her work to extend the outreach of the FPU to the Ansongo area, close to the Mali-Niger-Burkina Faso border area, where terrorists and spoilers of the Malian peace agreement are increasing their influence.
The Chief Superintendent who joined the Nigerian Police in 2003, support for the joint operations with the Malian police, gendarmerie and National Guard have helped to ensure the security of the local population.
The award runner up, who has served as Criminal Investigator, Divisional Crime Officer and Acting Deputy Commander among others said she is eager to continue enhancing safety in Gao once coronavirus related restrictions are lifted.
Penpushing reports that, she joined the Nigerian Police in 2003, and has served as Criminal Investigator from the local to regional level, Child Protection Officer, Divisional Crime Officer up to Acting Deputy Commander of the Ogudu Police Division in Lagos, while her other United Nation (UN) deployment was with the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) from 2006-2007, where she served as a planning officer for FPU operations.
The statement disclosed that of the 1,300 United Nations(UN) policewomen deployed in United Nations(UN) peacekeeping operations, twenty-one were nominated for the award, adding that the winners of this year which include Chief Inspector Doreen Malambo of Zambia, who serves with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), will receive the award during a virtual ceremony on Tuesday November 3, to be presided over by Mr. Lacroixon.
Penpushing further reports that, Superintendent Rebecca Nnanga of Cameroon, serving with the United Nations (UN) Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), is the other runner-up
Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) Woman Police Officer of the Year award was established in 2011 to recognize the exceptional contributions of female police officers to UN peacekeeping and to promote the empowerment of women. The award carries even greater significance this year given the 20thanniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.
