President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his dedication to the principles of justice, peace, and security, noting that these virtues have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s policy landscape.
The President made this commendation at the launch of a book in honor of the Inspector General of Police titled Readings in Policing, Peace, and Security in Abuja.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, President Tinubu described the book as a fitting tribute to the IGP.
According to him, “I stand before you today at this public presentation of a book that embodies both the essence and aspirations of our nation’s internal security efforts.
The book is a fitting tribute to Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, our esteemed Inspector General of Police, a man whose dedication to the principles of justice, peace, and security has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s policy landscape. When I was asked to write the foreword for this remarkable compilation, I accepted without hesitation.
This was not merely because of the gravity of the subject—policing, peace, and security are at a critical juncture in our national experience—but also because of the extraordinary individuals it honors.
Dr. Egbetokun is a paragon of integrity and professionalism, a police officer whose career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to duty and an unwavering resolve in the face of challenges.”
President Tinubu noted that Dr. Egbetokun served diligently as his Chief Security Officer (CSO) during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.
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According to the President, “He is a man I have had the privilege to know and work with closely, particularly during my tenure as Governor of Lagos State, where he served with distinction as my Chief Security Officer.
The Society for Peace Studies and Practice, along with its collaborating institutions, deserves commendation for recognizing excellence and celebrating it by bringing together renowned scholars and peace practitioners.
Their efforts have resulted in this anthology of original research and reflective articles that delve deeply into the complex dynamics of internal security management.
This publication is not just timely; it is a necessary resource that will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the practice of law enforcement in Nigeria.
Egbetokun is one of those rare figures who has consistently stood tall and resolute in our nation’s security architecture.”
Speaking at the event, IGP Egbetokun disclosed that President Tinubu made a significant impact on his life and career.
The police chief, who said he met the President in 1998, noted that his life was transformed within 24 hours of meeting Tinubu.
According to him, “I thank the Almighty God by whose grace I’m alive today to receive this incredible honor. My life and career are a testament to God’s infinite mercy. It has been God all the way for me.
As I’m standing here today, my mouth is filled with testimonies. I would have loved to share some of these testimonies, but today is not Thanksgiving Day. I will, therefore, reserve the details of that for another day.
I must, however, acknowledge the significant impact of a particular individual on my life and career.
I met President Bola Tinubu in 1998, and that meeting produced a positive transformation in my life within 24 hours. That story is also a testimony that I would like to leave for another day.”
Speaking about the book, Egbetokun said it would serve as a reference material and a source of inspiration for young officers.
“I can now confidently say that this book is an indispensable resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners in the field of policing, peace, and security.
The book will not only be a reference material, but it will also inspire the new generation of law enforcement officers in Nigeria.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Society for Peace Studies and Practice, Prof. Suleiman Elias Bogoro, extolled the virtues of the IGP, noting that he has transformed the Nigeria Police Force to greater heights in the annals of Nigeria.