By DEBORAH AKPEDE

The Police Command in Lagos State on Friday unveiled the ultra-modern “I-G Kayode Egbetokun Conference Hall” with senior police officers.

The Command described the facility as a symbol of visionary leadership, professionalism and institutional transformation within the Nigeria Police Force.

The conference hall, named after the 22nd indigenous Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was unveiled by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Police Command, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, on Friday at the command headquarters, Ikeja.

Jimoh, who initiated the construction of the hall during his tenure as Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, successfully completed the project after his elevation to Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2.

Speaking during the event, Jimoh described the edifice as more than just a physical structure, saying it represented progress, innovation and the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening operational effectiveness and administrative efficiency.

According to him, the facility stands as a testament to transformational leadership and strategic reforms initiated under the leadership of Egbetokun.

“This event is not just about the commissioning and unveiling of a physical edifice, but a celebration of visionary leadership, commitment to institutional development, strategic policing reforms and a legacy that will stand the test of time,” Jimoh said.

He stated that the conference hall would serve as a centre for operational planning, intelligence sharing, strategic meetings, policy formulation, training programmes, press briefings and collaborative security engagements aimed at enhancing public safety and national security.

The AIG commended Egbetokun for his leadership style, technology-driven policing initiatives and dedication to modernising the Force, adding that his reforms continued to inspire officers across the country.

Jimoh also appreciated officers, stakeholders and partners whose support contributed to the successful completion of the project.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Tijani, described the completion of the project as another major milestone in the history of the command.

Tijani reiterated that the project was designed to enhance operational capacity, personnel welfare and administrative efficiency within the command.

He recalled that the foundation-laying ceremony for the facility was performed on Nov. 7, 2025, by Egbetokun during his tenure as Inspector-General of Police.

“The completion of this facility reflects our collective determination to provide a conducive, professional and efficient working environment for officers and men of the Command.

“It will undoubtedly improve operational effectiveness, strengthen coordination and enhance service delivery to members of the public,” he said.

The Commissioner, represented by the Deputy in charge of operations, Mr Adesina Lawal also praised Egbetokun for his support toward infrastructural development and reforms across commands nationwide.

He urged officers and personnel of the command to ensure proper maintenance and effective utilisation of the facility, noting that it should continue to serve as a symbol of collaboration, discipline, professionalism and service to humanity.

Delivering his speech, Egbetokun, expressed delight at returning to commission the same project whose foundation he laid while serving as IGP.

Egbetokun described the conference hall as a legacy project that symbolised continuity, vision, leadership and institutional excellence.

“This conference centre to me is more than a conference centre. It represents vision, continuity, leadership and legacy,” he said.

The former IGP particularly commended Jimoh for his professionalism, calm disposition and exceptional leadership qualities.

He also reflected on his experiences in the Lagos command, recalling how innovative reorientation programmes introduced during his service years helped improve police discipline and public perception of officers in the state.

Egbetokun narrated how his posting as Lagos Commissioner of Police in 2019 was unexpectedly reversed shortly before assumption of office, describing the experience as a temporary disappointment that later paved the way for greater opportunities.

“Life has taught me that sometimes our disappointments are not denials; they are simply redirections,” he said.

He urged younger officers to remain committed to professionalism, patience, perseverance, integrity and dedication to duty, assuring them that service rendered with honour would always be rewarded.

The former police boss expressed hope that the conference hall would become a platform where strategic policing ideas, courageous decisions and professional collaborations capable of strengthening security in Nigeria would continue to emerge.

The event featured goodwill messages from retired senior police officers including retired I-G Mike Okiro; retired AIG Durosimi Olatoye, retired former Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, Mr Fatai Owoseni,

Retired former AIG in charge of Zone 16, Mr Adenola Johnson; and heads of other sister security agencies also gave goodwill messages. (NAN)

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