…Think of what you’ll leave behind, retired Police chiefs tell officers

By Evelyn Usmam

The Lagos State Police Command has commissioned a modern conference hall named after former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, in recognition of his contributions to institutional development and policing reforms in Nigeria.

The facility, located at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja, was described by stakeholders as a landmark project that will enhance strategic planning, operational coordination, capacity building and administrative efficiency within the Command.

Speakers at the event also paid glowing tributes to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Onikan, AIG Olohundare Jimoh, under whose administration as Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, the project was conceived and substantially executed.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony at the weekend, former Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro, commended the leadership of the Lagos State Command for sustaining a culture of institutional respect and continuity, describing the commissioning as “a reflection of enduring professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force.”

Okiro said the gathering of serving and retired officers was symbolic of unity, stressing that when institutions remember their past leaders and honour ongoing contributions, they strengthen their moral foundation.

“This kind of initiative shows that the police are not just about enforcement, but also about legacy, memory and institutional pride,” he said.

The former IGP also praised the decision to name the facility after Egbetokun, noting that leadership must always be recognised when it contributes to institutional development.

“Institutional memory is very important. When leaders are honoured appropriately, it encourages others to serve with dedication, knowing that their efforts will not be forgotten,” he added.

Retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Johnson Adenola, described Egbetokun as a leader whose impact would remain visible for years to come.

“Egbetokun has given his best and what he deserves is commendation. You have written your name in gold and your legacy is being etched in stone,” he said.

Adenola noted that the new conference hall was more than a physical structure, describing it as a reflection of visionary leadership and institutional continuity.

He commended AIG Jimoh for sustaining the vision behind the project, adding that “what matters in leadership is not only what you achieve, but what you leave behind for others to build on.”

Urging serving officers to adopt a legacy-driven mindset, he said: “For those coming behind, always think of what you can leave behind. Leadership is about impact that outlives your tenure.”

Former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Owoseni (retd), also commended Egbetokun and AIG Jimoh for their contributions to infrastructural development within the Force, stressing that such interventions boost morale and operational efficiency.

“It is always good to add value. In the police, many look forward to government intervention before taking action. Some even wait for structures to deteriorate before anything is done,” he said.

Owoseni stressed that proactive leadership was key to institutional progress, noting that officers must learn to take initiative rather than depend solely on external intervention.

While appreciating the presence of former IGP Mike Okiro and other senior officers, which he described as a demonstration of institutional respect, Owoseni also called for increased government support for the police, stating that adequate welfare and infrastructure remain critical to effective policing in a complex security environment.

The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, noted that security agencies across the country often operate under severe resource constraints, stressing that officers must become change-makers by initiating projects that improve the welfare and operational effectiveness of personnel.

He described the conference hall as a commendable welfare-oriented initiative and urged commanders at all levels to think beyond their immediate responsibilities.

According to him, such interventions should also be extended to barracks to address accommodation challenges confronting personnel.

“If you are in command, you have access to people, organisations and industry. Rather than using such opportunities for personal benefit, we expect everyone, from the Divisional Police Officer level upwards, to add value to the system. Nigerians are good people and will readily partner with you when they see impactful projects that benefit the institution and the public,” he said.

Responding, former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, expressed appreciation for the honour done to him, describing the facility as a symbol of continuity and institutional progress.

“I am deeply humbled by this recognition. This conference hall represents what we can achieve when leadership, vision and commitment align for the good of the institution,” he said.

Egbetokun noted that infrastructure development within the police remains essential for modern policing, adding that no organisation can perform beyond the quality of its environment and the tools available to it.

He commended the Lagos State Police Command for sustaining developmental projects, noting that “facilities like this are not just buildings; they are platforms for ideas, strategy and innovation. I urge officers to make the best use of it.”

He also thanked stakeholders and officers who contributed to the project’s realisation, describing it as a collective achievement.

On his part, AIG Olohundare Jimoh described the project as a product of collective effort, sacrifice and shared commitment to institutional development within the Nigeria Police Force.

AIG Jimoh, who initiated the project during his tenure as Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, stated emphatically that the conference hall was not built by any individual alone but through the support and contributions of well-meaning stakeholders, corporate organisations, community leaders and friends of the Command.

Drawing a comparison with the development of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, he noted that major projects succeed when communities and stakeholders come together with a common purpose.

According to him, the original plan was to construct a three-storey building.

“The intention was to have a three-floor structure. Even when the former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, came to perform the groundbreaking ceremony, that was the vision. However, by the time we completed the first floor, it had already matched the height and capacity of the old building. We then decided to retain the structure in its present form because it adequately met our needs,” he explained.

Describing Egbetokun as a visionary leader and mentor, AIG Jimoh said the decision to name the facility after the former Inspector-General was a deliberate recognition of his remarkable contributions to the Nigeria Police Force.

“This event is not merely the commissioning of a physical structure. It is a celebration of visionary leadership, uncommon dedication to duty and selfless service to our nation. Under the leadership of Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, the Force witnessed significant institutional growth, transformational reforms and strategic policing initiatives whose impact will endure for generations. This edifice stands as a lasting symbol of those achievements and the enduring legacy he has bequeathed to the Nigeria Police Force,” he stated.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, described the commissioning as a historic milestone in the annals of the Command.

He said the facility would significantly enhance strategic planning, operational coordination and administrative efficiency, while serving as a centre for intellectual engagement and decision-making aimed at improving service delivery.

The Commissioner explained that the foundation stone for the project was laid on November 6, 2025, by former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, and described its completion as a testament to the commitment of police leadership to institutional growth and infrastructural development.

According to him, “The naming of this facility after him reflects the Command’s appreciation of his visionary leadership, unwavering support for infrastructural development and commitment to improving the operational efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force.”

CP Fatai also lauded AIG Jimoh for conceiving and executing the project, describing his contribution as invaluable.

“His foresight, dedication to institutional development and commitment to leaving enduring legacies within the Command remain highly commendable,” he said.

He emphasised that the conference hall should remain “a symbol of professionalism, collaboration, strategic thinking and our collective commitment to excellence in service,” even as he urged officers and men of the Command to ensure its proper maintenance and effective utilisation.

The commissioning ceremony attracted serving and retired senior police officers, including former Inspectors-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, senior military officers and other stakeholders who commended the initiative as a milestone in institutional development and called for sustained investment in police infrastructure nationwide.