Kayode Egbetokun in the Eyes of a Mentee -By Suleiman Hassan

This article is not a sycophantic attempt to whitewash the Inspector General of Police in light of the controversies surrounding his tenure extension by Mr. President and the ongoing calumny campaign against him. Instead, it is a reflection on leadership, which, in the grand scheme of law enforcement, is measured by the ability to inspire, guide, and leave an indelible mark on those who serve under one’s command.

If you ask me who is one of the kindest, most compassionate, and humane individuals I have ever known in the course of my sojourn in this job and in life, I would say it is Dr. Kayode Egbetokun.

It is one thing to wear the rank and another to embody the principles it stands for. For those who have worked closely with Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, the 22nd Indigenous Inspector General of Police, he is not just a superior officer; he is a mentor, a man whose dedication to service, intellectual depth, and humane approach to policing have left lasting impressions.

As a mentee, my admiration for Dr. Egbetokun stems from his staunch dedication to excellence and attention to details. His career trajectory, from a young officer rising through the ranks to becoming the nation’s top cop, is a testimony to hard work, discipline, and an unyielding passion for policing. Beyond his official duties, he carries an aura of approachability that makes learning under him a privilege rather than an obligation.

Leadership, they say, is best tested in times of crisis. Dr. Kayode Egbetokun assumed office at a time when policing in Nigeria faced significant challenges—rising insecurity, public distrust, and the urgent need for reforms. Yet, rather than being overwhelmed, he embraced the task with a clear vision, emphasising intelligence-driven policing, community engagement, and internal discipline. He did not just command officers; he inspired them to see their roles beyond the routine, to embrace policing as a noble duty rather than a mere job.

One of the most striking qualities of Dr. Egbetokun is his humility. Despite his towering achievements, he remains accessible, willing to listen, and open to fresh ideas. His belief in mentorship is not merely theoretical; he actively invests in those around him, and yours truly is a beneficiary of his mentorship, ensuring that knowledge is passed down and that the next generation of police officers upholds the principles of professionalism and integrity.

For many of us who have had the opportunity to work under his leadership, he represents the ideal officer—firm but fair, strategic yet compassionate, intelligent but ever willing to learn. His ability to balance the complexities of modern policing with the realities of Nigeria’s security landscape is no doubt, remarkable.

As I reflect on my journey in the force, I am reminded of the words of John Quincy Adams: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” Dr. Kayode Egbetokun embodies this truth. In the eyes of this mentee, he is not just a leader but a guiding light, illuminating the path for those of us who aspire to serve with honour, courage, and firm resolve.

A testament to his humane approach to leadership is a recent act of kindness for the holy month of Ramadan. My uncle, who serves as one of the Imams at Force Headquarters, narrated how the IGP demonstrated an unprecedented level of generosity to the Muslim Ummah within the Force. Traditionally, as Ramadan approaches, the Force Imam solicits funds to provide meals for both police officers and civilians who come from far and near to break their fast. This year, however, was different. According to my uncle, they submitted a budget of 55 million naira, hoping for support. To their utmost surprise, the IGP approved 50 million naira—an amount never before received in the history of Ramadan donations within the Force. This is despite the fact that the Force has produced several Muslim IGPs, including three under former President Muhammadu Buhari. My uncle noted that no IGP had ever contributed more than 10 million naira in previous years.

Of course, I wasn’t surprised when I heard this, because I have always known Dr. Egbetokun to be kind and compassionate. His leadership is built on a concept of policing with human feelings—one that recognises the dignity of those who serve and the needs of the communities they protect. This is the Kayode Egbetokun I know.