By Adewole Kehinde
We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast of change. And the most pressing task is to teach people how to learn – Peter Drucker
On 19th June 2023, when President Bola Tinubu appointed Deputy Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun as the acting Inspector General of Police, I knew the Nigeria police were set for competence, reliability, respectfulness, ethical behaviour, and a commitment to ongoing learning and improvement.
Since he assumed office, many positive reforms have been established, and they are still ongoing.
The major focus of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has been professionalism, the conduct, demeanour, and qualities that characterise a professional individual in the workplace or any field of work.
Early Thursday morning, I saw a press release tagged “Force Reorganisation: IGP Orders Posting Of 25 Senior Officers,” signed by the indefatigable Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The posting affected the below officers: AIG Margaret Ochalla, now heading AIG FCID Annex, Lagos; AIG Abayomi Peter Oladipo, assigned to AIG Zone 13, Ukpo; AIG Fred Ekokotu, who will oversee AIG Zone 11, Osogbo; AIG Iwo Nemi Edwin Osigboka, now in charge of AIG Border Patrol Force, Force Headquarters, Abuja; AIG Garba Ahmed, taking on the role of AIG Department of Training and Development (DTD), Force Headquarters, Abuja; AIG Salman Dogo, assigned to AIG Zone 5, Benin; and AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu, now responsible for AIG Zone 9, Umuahia.
Concurrently, 18 CPs acting in the capacity of AIGs, pending the approval of the PSC, have also been posted to various strategic offices. CP Patrick Adedeji Atayero has been posted to Commandant, Police Academy, Kano; CP Tolani Alausa to AIG Zone 16, Yenagoa; CP Musibau Ajani to AIG Zone 17, Akure; CP Mobolaji Victor Olaiya to AIG DICT, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Laolu Adegbite, MFR, to AIG Interpol, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Clement Robert to AIG Community Policing, Research & Planning, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Gyongon Augustine Grimah to AIG Zone 10, Sokoto; CP Thomas Abraham Nabhon to AIG ONSA; CP Musa Auwal Mohammed to AIG Zone 3, Yola; CP Mohammed Shehu Dalijan to AIG CTU, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Olatunji Disu to AIG SPU, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu to AIG Zone 12, Bauchi; CP Fasuba Akinyele to AIG Investment, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Musa Kareem to AIG Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos; CP Chukwudi Chris Ariekpere to AIG FCID Annex, Enugu; CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa to AIG Zone 14, Katsina; CP Godwin I. Eze to AIG DFA, Force Headquarters, Abuja; and CP Abel J. Zwalchir Miri to AIG Communications, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
When I went through the list above, I saw competence, accountability, and integrity in all the appointees. They are round pegs in round holes.
IGP Egbetokun has proven that professionalism builds trust among colleagues and stakeholders, leading to stronger relationships.
There is no doubt that a professional demeanour contributes positively to personal and organisational reputations, attracting new policing opportunities, not forgetting that professional individuals tend to be more organised, reliable, and focused, leading to higher productivity and better results.
I also noticed effective communication introduced by the IGP, which has reduced misunderstandings and fostered collaboration, especially between the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission.
Egbetokun’s professionalism has ensured the promotion of career advancement, which is leading to greater recognition and opportunities for promotions and leadership roles for police personnel. This has also contributed to a respectful and supportive workplace culture, enhancing personnel satisfaction.
In conclusion, the professionalism introduced by IGP Egbetokun is essential not only for personnel success but also for fostering a productive and harmonious workplace environment.
Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters. 08166240846. kennyadewole@gmail.com. @kennyadewole
