The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare,has been honoured with the prestigious Thomas Sankara Pan-African Selfless Leadership Award for Excellence, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to security and public safety in the state.
The award was presented on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, when the leadership of the Youth Partnership for Africa’s Development (YOUPAD) paid a courtesy and advocacy visit to the State Police Headquarters in Uyo. The delegation was led by the organisation’s President, Mr. Henry Nkem.
Speaking during the visit, the group described YOUPAD as a Pan-African youth organisation dedicated to building leadership and entrepreneurial capacity among African youths, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 for integrated development, peace and prosperity across the continent.
Mr. Nkem explained that part of the organisation’s core mandate is to identify and celebrate African leaders who demonstrate integrity, professionalism and selfless service to humanity. He said CP Azare was selected for the Thomas Sankara Award due to his exemplary leadership style, institutional reforms, commitment to officers’ welfare and remarkable achievements in crime prevention and security enhancement in Akwa Ibom State.
According to YOUPAD, the police boss’ efforts have led to improved public safety, successful prosecution of criminal cases and renewed public confidence in the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.
Responding, CP Azare expressed gratitude to the organisation for the recognition, describing the honour as both humbling and motivating. He noted that the engagement of visionary and responsible youth organisations such as YOUPAD is critical to national and continental development.
“Your focus on leadership development, entrepreneurship and Pan-African collaboration is commendable and aligns with the broader objectives of societal progress, peace and security,” the Commissioner said.
He urged Nigerian youths to remain law-abiding, embrace productive ventures and serve as ambassadors of peace, innovation and positive change within their communities, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to strengthening community partnership and safeguarding lives and property across Akwa Ibom State.
The visit and award presentation further underscored the growing recognition of effective policing and youth-driven advocacy as key pillars for sustainable peace and development in Nigeria and Africa at large.
