By Ijeoma John, Nnewi
Commends Police Chaplaincy Initiative, Reaffirms Commitment to Community Development and Security Partnership
The quest to strengthen the spiritual and moral foundation of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force received a significant boost on Sunday, June 07, 2026, as dignitaries from across the security, religious, government, and community sectors gathered at the Zone 13 Police Zonal Headquarters, Ukpo, Anambra State, for the Foundation Stone-Laying and Turning-of-the-Sod Ceremony of the proposed Zone 13 Police Chaplaincy Building.
The historic event was presided over by the Chairman of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Anambra State Chapter, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo (JP), and assisted by the Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Anambra State Chapter, Bishop Moses Ezedebego, alongside other respected church leaders who offered prayers for the successful completion of the project and for divine guidance upon the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.
The ceremony attracted an array of distinguished personalities, including the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Chief Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 13 Police Zonal Headquarters, Ukpo, AIG Godwin Iguh Eze; the Mayor of Dunukofia Local Government Area, Hon. Barr. C. C. Ozumba; the Chairman of the Zone 13 Police Chaplaincy Stakeholders Forum, Chief Sir Dr. Izuchukwu Nwabueze (Ichie Chinemeze na Ukpo); the Zonal Chaplain, CSP Emmanuel Madu (JP); the Force Chaplain, ACP Ven. Joshua B. Omoyele; alongside several senior police officers, clergy, community leaders, and stakeholders from within and outside Anambra State.
Among the notable personalities present at the event was frontline House of Representatives aspirant under the platform of the NDC, Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna, who attended in his capacity as Patron of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Area Command, Nnewi.
Speaking during the event, Amb. Lotanna described the Police Chaplaincy Building Project as a noble and timely initiative that would provide spiritual support, moral guidance, counselling, and encouragement to police personnel serving within Zone 13 and beyond.
According to him, effective policing goes beyond law enforcement and crime prevention. He noted that officers equally require spiritual nourishment, moral strength, and emotional support to effectively discharge their responsibilities in service to the nation.
In demonstration of his commitment to the project and his belief in initiatives that promote the welfare of security personnel, Amb. Lotanna announced the donation of 50 bags of cement towards the construction of the Chaplaincy Building. He described the donation as a modest contribution aimed at supporting a project that would positively impact the lives of police officers and their families while strengthening the moral and spiritual values that guide public service.
Amb. Lotanna further emphasized the importance of collaboration between security agencies, religious institutions, community leaders, and citizens in building a safer and more peaceful society. He commended the leadership of the Police Chaplaincy and the Zone 13 Police Command for conceiving a project that would contribute to the welfare, spiritual development, and overall well-being of officers serving within the zone.
The event featured prayers, goodwill messages, and the symbolic laying of the foundation stone, as stakeholders pledged their support towards the successful completion of the project. Participants described the proposed Chaplaincy Building as a landmark intervention that would not only serve as a centre for worship and counselling but also promote values of integrity, discipline, accountability, and service among police personnel.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the Nigeria Police Force, Anambra State, and the nation at large, as well as renewed commitments from stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at strengthening security institutions and enhancing community-police relations.
For many observers, Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna’s presence and donation at the event once again reflect his longstanding commitment to community development, security partnership, humanitarian service, and initiatives that contribute to the growth and progress of society.
