The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has revealed how President Bola Tinubu transformed his life after their first encounter in 1998.
Mr Egbetokun, said Mr Tinubu, who was a former governor of Lagos State, changed his story within 24 hours of meeting him.
He explained that Mr Tinubu made a significant impact on his life and career as a young police officer.
The IGP, who made the revelations at the unveiling of a book in his honour titled, “Readings in Policing, Peace, and Security” at the Police Conference Centre, Abuja, said, “I thank the Almighty God by whose grace I’m alive today to receive this incredible honour. My life and career are a testament to God’s infinite mercy. It has been God for me.
“As I’m standing here today, my mouth is filled with testimonies. I would have loved to share some of these testimonies, but today is not Thanksgiving Day. I will, therefore, reserve the details of that for another day.
“I must, however, acknowledge the significant impact of a particular individual on my life and career. I met President Bola Tinubu in 1998, and that meeting produced a positive transformation in my life within 24 hours. That story is also a testimony that I would like to leave for another day.“
Mr Egbetokun said the book would serve as a reference material and a source of inspiration for young officers, adding, “The book will not only be a reference material, but it is also going to inspire the new generation of law enforcement officers in Nigeria. “
In his remarks, President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, described the book as a fitting tribute to the IG.
The President said Mr Egbetokun’s dedication to the principles of justice, peace, and security has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s policy landscape.
“I stand before you today at this public presentation of a book that embodies both the essence and aspirations of our nation’s internal security efforts.
“The book ‘Readings in Policing, Peace, and Security’ is a fitting tribute to Dr Kayode Egbetokun, our esteemed Inspector General of Police, a man whose dedication to the principles of justice, peace, and security has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s policy landscape.
“When I was asked to write the foreword for this remarkable compilation, I accepted without hesitation. This was not merely because of the gravity of the subject, policing, peace, and security at this critical juncture in our national experience, but also because of the extraordinary individual it honours.
“Dr. Ebetokun is a paragon of integrity and professionalism, a police officer whose career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to duty and an unwavering resolve in the face of challenges.”
Disclosing that Mr Egbetokun served diligently when he was his Chief Security Officer during his tenure as the Lagos State governor, Mr Tinubu added that, “He is a man I have had the privilege to know and work with closely, particularly during my tenure as Governor of Lagos State, where he served with distinction as my chief security officer.
“The Society for Peace Studies and Practice, along with its collaborating institutions, deserves commendation for recognising excellence and celebrating it by bringing together renowned scholars and peace practitioners.
“Their efforts have resulted in this anthology of original research and reflective articles that delve deeply into the complex dynamics of internal security management”.
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