President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has decribed the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun as a paragon of integrity and professionalism. A police officer whose career have been marked by his steadfast commitment to duty in an unwavering resolve in the face of challenges.
President Tinubu gave this accolade today, 20 August 2024 at a public presentation of a book "Readings in Policy, Peace, and Security” held in Abuja, the book that embodies both the essence and aspirations of our internal security efforts.
President Tinubu who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume noted that the book is a fitting tribute to Dr Kayode Egbetokun, our esteemed Inspector-General General of Police, a man whose dedication to the principles of justice. Peace and security has left an indelible mark.
"At this critical junction in our national experience but also because of the extraordinary individuals it honours. He is a man that i have had a privilege to know and worked with closely, particularly during my tenure as Governor of Lagos State where he served distinction as my Chief Security Officer.
"Dr Egbetokun is one of those who read figures. Who has consistently stood tall and resolute in our nation security achietecture. His leadership has been inspirational guiding many into a noble profession of policing through exemplary display of courage and commitment.
"His intellectual rigour, demonstrated through his passion for academic pursuit has not only enhance his professional capability but also serves as a model for the integration of knowledge and practice." he addede.
President Tinubu also noted that the overwhelming response from contributors to this publication is a testament to the importance of the themes its covers. The selection of 54 scholarly articles, combined into two volumes; First, focusing on Policing and the second, Peace, Security and Development offers a rich reservoir of knowledge for academics, law enforcement agencies and peace Practitioners alike.
President Tinubu affirmed that the book is more than a reverence, it is a beacon of knowledge that aid educational institutions. Police Commands, military and paramilitary outfits. Government agencies, international organisations and the general public to embrace.
He said, Dr Egbetokun today, we celebrate not just your achievement but your character in learning that have earned you this well deserved recognition. Your journey is a source of prize for all of us and your contributions to our nation's peace and security will be remembered for generations to come.
In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun thanked President Timubu for making a positive impact in his career.
"I am profoundly humbled, overwhelmed with gratitude for this extra ordinary honour. I thanked the Almighty God by whose grace I am alive today to receive this incredible honour. My life and career us a testament to God mercy, it has been God all the way for me. As I am standing here today, my mouth is filled with testimonies.
"I met President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 1998 and that meeting produced positive transformation in my life within 24 hours. That story is also a testimony which I will like to leave for another day.
According to IGP Egbetokun, the book is a collective efforts of many remarkable individuals and institutions.
The publication, which received sponsorship from seven Nigerian universities, including Al-Hikmah University, Lagos state university, Bauchi among others is intended to serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, security professionals, and scholars. It provides insights into policing, peace, and security, drawing from the wealth of experience and research contributions of various experts.
The book presentation brought together prominent figures from various sectors, including academics, diplomats, and security experts, all of whom gathered to celebrate IGP Egbetokun's contributions to the field of security. The range of topics covered in the book underscores the multifaceted nature of security challenges in Nigeria and the need for comprehensive policy approaches to address them.