Abuja – The Nigeria Police Force has extended heartfelt congratulations to Retired Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) Cecilia Adebisi Ugowe as she clocks 90, hailing her as a beacon of service, resilience, and transformative leadership in the nation’s policing history.
Born in 1935, Ugowe shattered glass ceilings during an era when women in Nigeria’s security sector faced formidable barriers. Joining the Nigeria Police Force in 1958 as part of the inaugural cohort of female cadets—trained at the Henderson Training College in Oke Are, Ibadan—she rose methodically through the ranks on sheer merit. Her ascent marked historic firsts: becoming the inaugural female Commissioner of Police (CP), the first woman Assistant Inspector-General (AIG), and ultimately the first female DIG, alongside serving as Force Secretary. These milestones, achieved amid widespread gender biases in the male-dominated force post-independence, underscored her unyielding discipline and professional acumen.
Ugowe’s contributions extended far beyond titles. She played pivotal roles in officer training, administrative reforms, and operational efficiency, helping professionalize the force during turbulent decades including the Nigerian Civil War era and military rule. Her tenure as Force Secretary involved streamlining internal policies, while her command positions emphasized integrity and community-oriented policing—principles that resonate in today’s NPF under IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
In a statement, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, praised Ugowe’s enduring impact. “Her career stands as a tribute to perseverance, opening doors for women and strengthening institutional professionalism,” he said on behalf of the force. “At 90, her legacy inspires current and future officers, especially women, to pursue excellence in national service.”
Post-retirement, Ugowe has remained an advocate for gender inclusion in security, mentoring young female officers and contributing to discussions on policing reforms. Her story parallels broader strides in Nigerian women’s empowerment, from education to public service, amid ongoing efforts to boost female representation in the NPF, where women now hold about 15% of senior roles—up from negligible figures in her time.
As the force reflects on her milestone, Ugowe’s journey reminds Nigerians that true leadership transcends convention, rooted in competence and dedication.
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