Ogun Police Rewards 39 Officers For Years Of Service And Sacrifice

(The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni. Photo Credit: Ogun State Police Command.)

Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, has described policing as a tough and stressful job, saying both serving and retired officers deserve praise for the daily sacrifices they make to protect lives and property.

He spoke on Monday at the presentation of Commissioner of Police commendation awards to five retired and 34 serving officers at the Police Officers Mess, Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta.

Among those honoured was DST Anifat Bello, the popular Abeokuta traffic officer who retired in August and was recently recognised by the Inspector General of Police.

The other retirees were former SWAT Commander CSP Salami Murphy, DSP Olaifa Emmanuel, DSP Ayanlola Olatunji and DST Saanu Johnson.

Serving officers who got awards included the head of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, SP Shittu Bamidele, SP Gbenga Ademola, SP Balogun Sherrif, ASP Olupona Helen and ASP Jimoh Lasisi.

Ojajuni said the gesture follows the IG's push to recognise officers who retire after distinguished service.

He noted that spending 35 years in the force is no small feat because of the pressure and risks involved, and said retirees cannot just go home without being appreciated.

He added that honouring them also sets an example, since younger officers are watching and will one day expect the same treatment.

The CP said the awards are meant to motivate serving officers to stay committed and go beyond routine duty, because there will always be a scorecard at the end of a career.

He urged them to put in extraordinary effort to stand out.

Speaking for the retirees, CSP Murphy thanked the command and said they are retired but not tired.

He called Ojajuni a father, mentor and caregiver, and promised that they remain ready to serve the Ogun Police Command, the Nigeria Police and the country whenever they are needed.