By Solomon OKPO
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has been honoured with the Thomas Sankara Pan-African Selfless Leadership Award for Excellence by the Youth Partnership for Africa’s Development (YOUPAD).
The award was presented on December 16, 2025, when a delegation of YOUPAD paid a courtesy and advocacy visit to the Commissioner at the Akwa Ibom State Police Command Headquarters in Uyo. The delegation was led by the President of the organization, Mr. Henry Nkem.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Nkem described YOUPAD as a Pan-African youth organization dedicated to building leadership and entrepreneurial capacity among African youths, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 for sustainable development, peace, and prosperity across the continent.
He explained that part of the organization’s mandate is to identify and celebrate African leaders who demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and selfless service to humanity. According to the delegation, CP Azare was selected for the award in recognition of his exemplary leadership, institutional reforms, commitment to officers’ welfare, and notable achievements in crime prevention and security enhancement in Akwa Ibom State.
YOUPAD noted that the Commissioner’s efforts in improving policing standards and securing convictions have significantly boosted public safety and strengthened citizens’ confidence in the police command.
While receiving the Instrument of Commendation, CP Azare expressed gratitude to the organization for the honour and commended its focus on youth development and Pan-African collaboration. He emphasized that the involvement of responsible and visionary youth organizations is vital to national and continental growth.
“Your focus on leadership development, entrepreneurship, and Pan-African cooperation is commendable and aligns with the broader objectives of societal progress, peace, and security,” the Commissioner said.
He further urged young people to remain law-abiding, engage in productive ventures, and act as ambassadors of peace, innovation, and positive change within their communities. CP Azare also reaffirmed the Akwa Ibom State Police Command’s commitment to community partnership and its resolve to continue protecting lives and property across the state.
The visit and award presentation marked another milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the police and youth-driven organizations aimed at promoting peace, security, and development in Nigeria and across Africa.
