The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, has described police work as an arduous profession characterised by anxiety, stress and demanding responsibilities.
Ojajuni made the remarks on Monday at a Commendation and Awards Ceremony held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta, where the Ogun State Police Command honoured 34 serving officers and five retired personnel for their meritorious service to the country.
The CP said serving as a police officer required dedication and resilience, noting that remaining in the profession for decades was no easy feat.
“It is not easy to serve for 35 years. Police work is an arduous task, it’s full of anxiety and stress. For you to weather the storm, to put in your best to serve your country diligently, we feel you cannot just go like that,” Ojajuni said.
He explained that the ceremony was organised to appreciate officers who had served the country meritoriously and to encourage serving personnel to remain committed to their duties.
According to him, the Inspector-General of Police had earlier honoured some of the officers in Abuja, while the Ogun Command decided to replicate the gesture locally and recognise those who were unable to attend the Abuja ceremony.
The five retired officers honoured were former Special Weapons and Tactics, SWAT, Commander, CSP Salami Murphy; DSP Olaifa Emmanuel; DSP Ayanlola Olatunji; DST Saanu Johnson; and DST Anifa Bello.
Among the serving officers recognised were the Officer in Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, SP Shittu Bamidele; SP Gbenga Ademola; SP Balogun Sherrif; ASP Olupona Helen; and ASP Jimoh Lasisi, among others.
Ojajuni particularly commended CSP Salami, describing him as hardworking, dedicated and always willing to deliver on assignments.
He also praised SP Bamidele for his contribution to the relative calm in the state, describing the Anti-Kidnapping Unit as one of the standout units in the Command.
The CP said recalling retired officers to celebrate their achievements would not only honour their contributions but also motivate serving personnel to put in greater effort.
“We are here to appreciate those that have served this country meritoriously on behalf of the IGP. The IGP had honoured some of them in Abuja and it is on us to replicate it here and as well for those that were not in Abuja to be honoured,” Ojajuni said.
Responding on behalf of the retirees, Murphy expressed appreciation to the Command for the recognition.
He said although they had retired from active service, they remained willing to contribute to the police and society whenever called upon.
“We are retiring today but I want to assure you that we are not tired. At any point in time that our services to humanity will be required or requested, we are there for the Ogun State Police Command, Nigeria Police and Nigeria at large,” Salami said.
He described Ojajuni as a father, mentor and caregiver, while also appreciating serving officers who worked alongside the retirees during their years in service.
(Daily Trust)
