Kayode Egbetokun: Promoting Gender Inclusivity In The Police Force

By Adewole Kehinde

“Men of quality respect women’s equality.” Mike Honda

I was not surprised at the announcement that the Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Kayode Egbetokun, in a commendable move towards promoting gender inclusivity and professional development within the Nigeria Police Force, has approved and overseen a comprehensive mentoring programme targeting young women officers for better service delivery, decency, and self-esteem. 

IGP Egbetokun has been actively promoting gender inclusivity in the Police Force.

One of his notable achievements in this regard was the establishment of a Gender Desk in the Lagos State Police Rapid Response Squad (RRS) when he was the Commander of the Squad from 2005 to 2007.

The Gender Desk is a unit within the Police Force that is dedicated to addressing issues related to gender-based violence and promoting gender equality. The unit is staffed with trained personnel, including female officers, who are equipped to handle cases involving women and children.

IGP Egbetokun also initiated the recruitment of more female officers into the Police Force.

This was aimed at increasing the representation of women in the Force and promoting gender balance. He recognized the importance of having more women in the Police Force, not only to address issues related to gender-based violence but also to improve the overall effectiveness of the Force in addressing crime. 

Furthermore, IGP Egbetokun has been an advocate for the training and retraining of police officers on gender sensitivity and human rights. He believes that it is essential to equip officers with the knowledge and skills needed to handle cases involving women and children more sensitively and professionally. IGP Egbetokun has played a significant role in promoting gender inclusivity in the Police Force, particularly in Lagos State.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the initiative is part of the IGP’s commitment to implementing the National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace, and Security in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 aimed at ensuring gender-sensitive and responsive security sector reform.

The IGP, known for putting a round peg in a round hole, assigned the role of mentoring to the Force Gender Adviser, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, to be assisted by other senior female officers.

The mentoring commenced with the recently graduated female cadets at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State.

AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju charged graduate female cadets with dedication to work, discipline, and committed service to the fatherland. She further added that the young female officers will be placed under the supervision of experienced female officers for continuous mentorship and guidance.

IGP Egbetokun noted that the mentorship programme aims at providing young women officers with a supportive environment for personal and professional growth, equipping them with essential skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in their careers.

The IGP reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to promoting gender diversity and inclusivity at all levels. He noted that the Nigeria Police is poised to evolve and adapt to modern challenges, which contribute to building a more effective, diverse, and resilient policing system in Nigeria.

There is no doubt that Egbetokun’s efforts will contribute to improving the effectiveness of the Force in addressing issues related to gender-based violence and promoting gender equality.

Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters based in Abuja and can be reached on 08166240846, kennyadewole@gmail.com