The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has commissioned the Lagos State Police Command Band, describing the development as a significant milestone in strengthening institutional identity, discipline, and professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Lagos, the IGP noted that progress in institutional leadership is often achieved through deliberate and thoughtful decisions that reinforce structure and close long-standing gaps. He said the establishment of the Command Band corrects a structural omission, as the Lagos State Command had, until now, operated without its own band since inception.
“For the first time, the Lagos State Police Command now possesses a band purpose-built to serve its ceremonial, official, and representational functions,” the IGP stated, adding that the move reflects leadership that is attentive to institutional detail and conscious of legacy.
IGP Egbetokun commended the Nigeria Police Band for its years of professionalism and musical excellence, noting that its performances have consistently projected the Police Force positively, enhanced ceremonial dignity, and strengthened public confidence across the country. He described the Police Band as an intangible but powerful instrument that communicates discipline, unity, and national purpose without words.
According to the IGP, the value of the Police Band extends beyond performance, as it has become a symbol of cohesion, discipline, and institutional culture within the Force. He observed that its reputation has increasingly attracted newly graduated police cadets who deliberately seek conversion into the Band due to its high standards and professional outlook.
The IGP explained that while the Lagos State Command had previously relied on the Force Headquarters Band, the arrangement was not ideal for a command of Lagos’ size and responsibility. He said the commissioning of the Command Band aligns with a broader approach to sustainable command development, stressing that effective policing is reinforced not only through operations but also through strong institutional frameworks.
He praised the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, and the Command leadership for the initiative and administrative diligence that led to the establishment of the Band, describing the achievement as the product of coordination, commitment, and purposeful leadership.
The IGP also referenced recent developmental efforts within the Lagos State Command, including the foundation-laying ceremony of its Multi-Purpose Hall, noting that both projects reflect an investment in enduring institutional assets rather than short-term measures.
Urging other Police Commands across the country to emulate the initiative, IGP Egbetokun emphasized the importance of leadership-driven capacity building, institutional identity, and professionalism at the Command level.
Addressing members of the newly commissioned Band, the IGP charged them to uphold exemplary conduct, discipline, and performance, noting that as pioneers, they bear the responsibility of shaping the standards and reputation of the unit from inception.
He concluded by stating that the strength of a police institution is measured not only by operational success but also by the quality of its structures, embedded standards, and public confidence, formally commissioning the Lagos State Police Command Band for official use and service to the Nigerian public.
