Tribute: CP Balogun Extols Angelina Egbuka’s Virtues, as First Female CP in Eastern Nigeria Transits

 

By CP Olayinka Balogun/

I first met Mrs Angelina Egbuka in 1981. She was a Superintendent of Police and DPO Central Police Station Enugu.I was then a newly passed out Cadet ASP. What first struck me was how a woman could head the biggest busiest and most strategic Police Division at the State Capital. But, within 3 months of my tutelage under her supervision I came to understand that it was a deserved posting. Mrs Angelina Egbuka was bold, daring, energetic and outspoken. She was able and she was dedicated to the job..She was always on duty and would personally supervise the parade that must preceed postings in those days, including night parades.She would also go on Night visiting rounds after booking her movement at the Station.

She would take up issues at the CP Conference even where male officers feared to tread.

I got a personal dosage of this, when she returned from the Conference one afternoon and told me that I should get ready to command a Guard of Honour Parade for Vice President Alex Ekwueme due in Enugu the following week. An assignment she said some senior officers had tactfully avoided.

She encouraged me with all the logistics and we had a very successful Parade for the Vice President. A feat which no doubt added to her ‘Iron Lady’ status.

She loved education and so loved all of us who were young upcoming Graduate officers. Highly cosmopolitan. She spoke good English and flawless Yoruba, having lived and schooled in Lagos in her younger days. A very beautiful woman, who combined brain and brawn; always immaculately and smartly dressed in the white and black police uniform of their days.

She truly served her people and Country. A real Nwanyi Mma. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

 

CP OLAYINKA BALOGUN psc fsi FBINAA BL (Rtd) is the Consultant to Ogun State governor on Security Matters.

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