The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, has honoured 39 serving and retired officers of the command for distinguished service.
Ojajuni presented the commendation awards to five retired officers and 34 serving personnel at the Police Officers’ Mess, Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta.
Speaking at the ceremony, the CP described policing as a demanding profession filled with pressure, anxiety and stress.
He said the officers, particularly those who spent decades in the force, deserved to be recognised for their sacrifices in protecting lives and property.
Ojajuni said serving for 35 years in the Nigeria Police Force was no easy feat, adding that retired officers should not simply be forgotten after leaving the service.
“It is not easy to serve for 35 years. Police work is an onerous task. It’s full of anxiety and stress,” he said.
He added that the recognition was also designed to encourage serving officers to remain committed, stressing that their performance would eventually determine how they would be remembered at retirement.
The CP urged serving personnel to go beyond their routine duties and make exceptional contributions to the force.
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, Olatunji Disu.
Other retired officers honoured were former Special Weapons and Tactics Commander, CSP Salami Murphy; DSP Olaifa Emmanuel; DSP Ayanlola Olatunji and DST Saanu Johnson.
Serving officers who received commendation awards included the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, SP Shittu Bamidele; SP Gbenga Ademola; SP Balogun Sherrif; ASP Olupona Helen and ASP Jimoh Lasisi.
Ojajuni said the initiative was in line with the IGP’s efforts to recognise officers who distinguished themselves during their years of service.
He also said the recognition would serve as a lesson to younger officers, noting that everyone in the force would eventually retire.
“It’s going to be a generational issue of appreciating ourselves,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the retirees, CSP Murphy thanked the command for the honour and declared that retirement had not ended their willingness to serve.
“We are retiring today, but I want to assure you that we are not tired,” Murphy said.
He pledged that the retirees remained available whenever their services were needed by the Ogun State Police Command, the Nigeria Police Force or the country.
Murphy also described Ojajuni as a father, mentor and caregiver while appreciating serving officers who worked alongside the retirees during their careers.
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