How Sapele DPO Turned Police Station into World-Class Facility — Bags Delta Observer News Lifetime Achiever Award of Excellence

By Gracious Ikanone

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Sapele Divisional Police Station, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Johnbull Obioguru, has been honoured with the Delta Observer News Lifetime Achiever Award of Excellence for his remarkable contributions to security, peacebuilding, and the facelift of the Sapele Police Division.

The delegation that presented the award included Hon. Richard Ogirisen, immediate past councillor of Ward One in Sapele Local Government Area; Engineer Ediri Fregene; Comrade Ejiro Odebala; Mrs. Abdulkareem Gertrude; and Lady P. Akpomejevwe.

In his remarks, Hon. Richard Ogirisen described CSP Obioguru as a man of vision whose reforms had completely transformed the Sapele Police Main Station. According to him, the station has become “a world-class facility, giving residents a renewed sense of pride in their law enforcement institution.”

Ogirisen stressed that the transformation went far beyond physical structures, pointing out that it had also improved community trust and public safety. “The community has been pleasantly surprised by the changes. Every day, we see something new, and it gives confidence that the police can truly be partners in development,” he said.

The former councillor, however, used the opportunity to appeal to the DPO to extend his reform efforts to the Marine Police Division at the Sapele Port. He noted that such a gesture would further boost security along the waterways and give the division a facelift similar to what was achieved at the main station.

On his part, Engineer Ediri Fregene hailed the DPO as a reformer and role model. He said, “When you step into the station today, you immediately notice order, structure, and professionalism. This is rare in our clime. What CSP Obioguru has done is to raise the standard of police operations, and for this, he deserves to be celebrated.”

Also speaking, Comrade Ejiro Odebala commended the officer’s deliberate engagement with the community, particularly the youth. He remarked that the DPO had not only invested in infrastructure but also in people. “His open-door policy has made young people see the police as partners, not enemies. That is a rare and commendable feat,” Odebala said.

In his response, CSP Obioguru thanked the Delta Observer News for finding him worthy of the honour. He attributed the success of the renovation project to divine providence and the support of the Sapele Okpe Community, whom he credited as the “main brain” behind the facelift. He also acknowledged the contributions of friends of the station who assisted in making the project a reality.

“This award is not just for me but for the hardworking men and women of the Sapele Divisional Police Station who stand daily on the frontline of security. I thank the community for their support, because policing cannot succeed without cooperation. What we have achieved here is a product of teamwork, resilience, and the belief that Sapele deserves the best,” Obioguru said.

The DPO pledged to consolidate the reforms already in place and deepen collaboration with residents to ensure a safer and more peaceful environment. “Security is a shared responsibility. With your continued support, we will make Sapele a model of policing and community trust,” he added.

Closing the event, Mrs. Abdulkareem Gertrude delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the delegation. She described the award as timely and well-deserved, stressing that it reflected both infrastructural renewal and human dignity. “As a woman and community advocate, I have watched how the DPO treats residents with fairness and respect. This award is not just about the buildings he has renovated, but about the dignity he has restored. On behalf of everyone here, I say thank you, sir,” she said, to loud applause from the audience.