Africa
IGP Kayode Egbetokun and Inclusive Policing -By Suleiman Hassan
Beyond this Hajj gesture, IGP Egbetokun has been pushing for more community-friendly policing. He wants the police to work closely with the people, to understand their problems, and to find better ways to keep them safe. He also wants officers to be more professional, respectful, and honest in doing their jobs.
Since he became the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun has been working hard to change the way the Nigeria Police Force operates. He is building a more inclusive police system, one that carries everyone along, no matter their rank or background.
A recent example of this was at the Force Headquarters Mosque in Abuja. When the IGP received two Hajj slots as part of the police contingent to Makkah, instead of giving them to senior officers as is often the case, he gave them to two young police imams who are constables. He also made sure that the slots went to officers who had never been to Hajj before.
This may seem like a small act, but it means a lot. In the past, lower-ranking officers like constables were rarely considered for such opportunities. These benefits usually went to senior officers. But with IGP Egbetokun in charge, things are changing. Junior officers, who do most of the hard work in the police force, are now being given a sense of belonging.
The IGP’s action shows that he values every officer, not just the top ones. It also shows that he believes in fairness and giving everyone a chance. This is what inclusive leadership looks like, making sure that even those at the bottom of the ladder are seen, heard, and rewarded.
Beyond this Hajj gesture, IGP Egbetokun has been pushing for more community-friendly policing. He wants the police to work closely with the people, to understand their problems, and to find better ways to keep them safe. He also wants officers to be more professional, respectful, and honest in doing their jobs.
Even though there are still challenges, like lack of resources and old habits that are hard to change, the IGP is showing strong leadership. His approach is giving hope that the police force can become better, more united, and more focused on serving both its officers and the public.
Inclusion means nobody is left behind. With the steps IGP Egbetokun is taking, the Nigeria Police Force is moving closer to that goal.
Suleiman Hassan is a Public Affairs Analyst.
