…Retired Chiefs Urge Legacy-Driven Leadership
By Evelyn Usman
LAGOS — The Lagos State Police Command has commissioned an ultra-modern conference hall named after former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, in recognition of his contributions to policing reforms and institutional development within the Nigeria Police Force.
The facility, located at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja, was unveiled at a ceremony attended by serving and retired senior police officers, military officers and other stakeholders, who described it as a landmark project that would enhance strategic planning, operational coordination, capacity building and administrative efficiency.
Speakers at the event also paid tribute to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Olohundare Jimoh, under whose tenure as Commissioner of Police in Lagos the project was conceived and substantially executed.
Former Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro, commended the Lagos State Command for sustaining a culture of institutional continuity and respect, describing the commissioning as a reflection of enduring professionalism within the Force.
According to Okiro, honouring past leaders and recognising ongoing contributions strengthens the moral foundation of institutions.
“This kind of initiative shows that the police are not just about enforcement, but also about legacy, memory and institutional pride,” he said.
He stressed the importance of preserving institutional memory, noting that recognising leaders who contribute to development encourages dedication and service.
Also speaking, retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Johnson Adenola, described Egbetokun as a leader whose impact would endure for years.
“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 urged serving officers to adopt a legacy-driven approach to leadership, stressing that the true measure of leadership lies in the impact left behind.
“For those coming behind, always think of what you can leave behind. Leadership is about impact that outlives your tenure,” he added.
Former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, praised both Egbetokun and Jimoh for their contributions to infrastructural development in the Force, noting that such initiatives improve morale and operational effectiveness.
He called on officers to be proactive and take initiative rather than waiting for government intervention before addressing institutional needs.
Similarly, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Abubakar Mustapha, described the conference hall as a commendable initiative and urged security commanders to pursue projects that improve personnel welfare and operational efficiency.
Responding, Egbetokun expressed appreciation for the honour, 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.
The former IGP emphasised the importance of infrastructure development in modern policing, noting that facilities such as the conference hall serve as platforms for innovation, strategy and decision-making.
On his part, AIG Jimoh said the project was the product of collective effort involving stakeholders, corporate organisations, community leaders and friends of the Command.
He explained that the original design was for a three-storey building but that the plan was reviewed after the first floor met the operational requirements of the Command.
Jimoh said naming the facility after Egbetokun was a deliberate decision to honour a leader whose tenure witnessed significant institutional reforms and strategic policing initiatives.
“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,” he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, described the commissioning as a historic milestone for the Command.
He said the facility would serve as a hub for strategic planning, operational coordination and intellectual engagement aimed at improving service delivery.
According to him, the foundation stone for the project was laid on November 6, 2025, by Egbetokun, while its completion reflects the commitment of police leadership to institutional growth and infrastructural development.
“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,” Fatai said.
The ceremony attracted former Inspectors-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General, Commissioners of Police, senior military officers and other stakeholders, who called for sustained investment in police infrastructure across the country.
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