By Chris Onuoha

DOLAPO Badmus, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) is one woman that exudes an alluring aura aside the combatant-fitted persona she exhibits at work. Despite being a crime fighter and Police spokesperson, her unassuming demeanor and fashionable traits says a lot about her as a passionate career woman.

While speaking as a guest at a confidence coaching programme by Abiola Salami’s Xceptional Women Network in Lagos recently, she expressed how looking good has not affected her job as a Policewoman and however, berates the notion that Nigerian Policemen dress shabbily.

Dolapo Badmos

“I am of opinion that looking good and dressing neat is for everybody, be it a normal citizen or a crime fighter. A lot of people believe that police officers are meant to be seen dirty, haggard and tattered because they fight crime. I disagree with that because being a crime fighter should not make you look like the criminals you are chasing. A policeman or woman must be good looking and clean because it is a noble profession.”

Dolapo buttressed her point with an adage that says – ‘neatness is next to godliness’ as it applies that looking good in a person is innate.   “A police officer at all time should portray an aura that radiates love. If you are dirty, people will retract and look down on you. If you are neat, people will like to come closer and associate with you. It is a natural law. And mind you, Police is your friend. So there must be a mutual understanding between the force and citizenry” she said.

Speaking further, Dolapo reiterates; “The belief that Nigerian police are always seen dressed shabbily, perhaps, is a reflection of our society and also based on our mentality.

When the streets are filthy and unkempt psychologically, it robs off on the society, as well as the police. If the society encourages the police to be neat, they will be neat and this includes inter-personal relation and attitude towards a policeman. Looking at Police Officers in the western world, you don’t get to see them look dirty. They look clean and still do their work and fight crime. In fighting crime, you can still look very good.”

In her inspiring speech to the confidence coaching conference participants, she narrates how she was able to overcome all odds as a woman to get to her current position as an image brand of the Police force through hardwork, confidence, focus and humility. She however, charged women never to look down on themselves but always uphold dignity in all they do with focus and charisma to achieve result.

At the event were other notable speakers that include Eniola Sheri Dada, Funmi Ajose-Adeogun Patricia Obozuwa and host of others with special guest speaker as Mosun Belo-Olusoga, Chairperson, Access bank Plc who was conferred with prestigious honour as ‘Xceptional Woman of the Year 2016’ award.

The convener of the conference, Abiola Salami in his parting word said; “The message to women is, it is important to build your self confidence, never allow people to throw you down and keep you back. It is also important for you to know that you have immense power inside of you and it will be your fault, if you cannot bring out the champion in you by mingling with the right people, learning the right things and getting information and resources that will help you to empower yourself and discover who you are.”