The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has presented a whooping N1.5 Billion insurance money to widows and next-of-kins of policemen who died in the line of duty.
The cheques were presented at the police headquarters, Abuja by the IGP and his lieutenants.
The benefits, according to IGP were given to the relatives of 727 fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty for our beloved nation, Nigeria.
In his speech, the police boss noted that the event encompasses the disbursement of funds under the Group Life Assurance Policy for the 2018/2019, 2021/2022, and 2022/2023 insurance periods, alongside the Inspector General of Police Family Welfare Insurance Scheme for the 2022/2023 insurance year.
According to him, the collective sum, amounting to One Billion, Five Hundred and Ninety-Four Million, Six Hundred and Twenty-Five Thousand, One Hundred and Fifty-One Naira, Sixty-Six kobo (N1,594,625,151.66k) only, symbolizes their commitment and gratitude towards those who have valiantly served the nation.
The occasion represents the fifth installment in the ongoing series of cheque presentations since the beginning of this administration, and notably, the second such event in the year 2024.
“Today’s ceremony stands as a poignant testament to the unwavering dedication of the current police leadership towards the welfare of the families of our fallen colleagues.
“It serves as a solemn pledge to all serving personnel that neither the nation nor the Force will abandon them.
‘Today, we are poised to distribute cheques across five distinct categories, reflecting our diverse commitment to the beneficiaries.
“The first category comprises cheques amounting to Fifty-Five Million, Seven Hundred and Sixty-Three Thousand, Forty Naira, Ninety-Five Kobo (₦55,763,040.95) for Three Hundred and Eleven (311) beneficiaries.
“This represents the remaining 5% balance of the Group Life Assurance Policy payments, Batches 9 & 10, for the 2021/2022 insurance year.
“The second category includes cheques totaling Seven Hundred and Sixty-One Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-Seven Thousand, Six Hundred and Ninety-Six Naira, Nineteen Kobo (₦761,497,696.19) for One Hundred and Seventy-Eight (178) beneficiaries.
“These are 90% of the Group Life Assurance policy payments, Batches 15 & 17 for the 2021/2022 insurance year.
“The third category features cheques in the sum of Five Hundred and Sixty-Seven Million, Five Hundred and One Thousand, Thirty-Nine Naira (₦567,501,039.72), designated for Seventy-Eight (78) beneficiaries as the full 100% Group Life Assurance policy payment for Batch 9 of the 2022/2023 insurance year.
“The fourth category entails cheques totaling Ninety-Six Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Three Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy-Four Naira, Eighty Kobo (₦96,863,374.80) for Eighty-Six (86) beneficiaries, corresponding to 32% of the Group Life Assurance policy payment for Batch 5 of the 2018/2019 insurance year.
“The fifth and final category includes cheques amounting to One Hundred and Thirteen Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira (₦113,200,000.00), ensuring 100% payment for One Hundred and Forty-Nine (149) beneficiaries in connection with the IGP Family Welfare Scheme, Batches 6 & 7, for the 2022/2023 policy year.”
He added: “Through this most recent initiative, the Force has, over the past nine months, collectively disbursed cheques amounting to Seven Billion, Two Hundred and Sixty-Three Million, Three Hundred and Ninety-One Thousand, Fifty-One Naira, Seventy-Three Kobo (N7,263,391,051.73) to Two Thousand, Five Hundred and Fourteen (2,514) families of our departed officers.
“This gesture underscores our deep-seated commitment to honoring the legacy and sacrifice of those who served with valor.
“To the families of our revered heroes, we fully acknowledge that the loss of a family’s primary provider is a profound tragedy that brings significant hardships, including financial strains.
“It is our fervent hope that the financial support provided through these cheques today will offer some measure of relief during these trying times, as we stand with you in remembrance and respect for your loved ones.”
He added: “To the dependents of our other late colleagues who have yet to receive their complete entitlements or be included in our records, I want to provide a steadfast assurance.
“This administration is fully committed to resolving all pending claims and backlogs that existed before June 2023, when we assumed office. We vow to continue our efforts without pause until every due benefit has been rightfully disbursed.
“Once more, I wish to extend my profound commendation to the officers and men of the Force Insurance Section for their relentless commitment and exemplary service. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to all our partner insurance companies.
“Your collaborative spirit and prompt responses have been crucial to the success of today’s event. I urge you to maintain this level of performance, ensuring the swift resolution of any remaining claims, as your efforts are vital to the wellbeing of our Force’s families.”
Force Insurance Officer, CSP Lydia Ameh, commended the IGP for his commitment to paying insurance claim to families of deceased policemen.