The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday opened up on his encounter with President Bola Tinubu, stating that Tinubu made a significant impact in his life and career.
Egbetokun, who recounted his encounter with the president in 1998, at the unveiling of a book titled, “Readings in Policing, Peace, and Security,” averred that his life was transformed within 24 hours of meeting with President Tinubu.
According to Egbetokun, “I must 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.
“I thank the Almighty God by whose grace I’m alive today to receive this incredible honour. 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.”
On the book, which was written in his honour, Egbetokun said it would serve as a reference material and a source of inspiration for young officers. He expressed confident that the book is an indispensable resource for scholars, policymakers and practitioners in the field of policing, peace and security. The book he added will not only be a reference material, but it is also going to inspire the new generation of law enforcement officers in Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu who was represented at the unveiling of the book, by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the book is a fitting tribute to the IGP.
Tinubu added that Egbetokun’s
dedication to the principles of justice, peace and security has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s policy landscape.
He said: “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 “Readings in Policing, Peace and Security” 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”.
He noted that policing, peace and security are at this critical juncture in our national experience. Ebetokun, he said 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. Tinubu said Egbetokun served diligently when he was his Chief Security Officer during his tenure as the Lagos State governor.
According to him, “Egbetokun 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”.
The publication, he said is not just timely, but a necessary resource that undoubtedly has a lasting impact on the practice of law enforcement in Nigeria.
Tinubu concluded that Egbetokun is one of those rare figures who has consistently stood tall and resolute in our nation’s security architecture.
Linus Aleke
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