Former Police Chief Egbetokun credits three prayers for shaping his time in office

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Egbetokun at his pull-out ceremony Credit: Channels TV

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The immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, says three prayers shaped his leadership after assuming office in 2023.

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Egbetokun disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja during a retirement thanksgiving service held in his honour at the Force Headquarters Chapel.

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The event also featured the inauguration of the Nigeria Police Force Chaplaincy edifice, attended by senior officers and worshippers.

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Egbetokun said his first prayers in office were for wisdom to lead, grace to finish well and divine guidance not to remain beyond God’s time.

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He said: “I was not expecting the appointment when it came. The first thing I did when I entered the office alone was to pray.

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“My first prayer was for wisdom to run the office, the second for grace to end well, and the third not to stay a day longer than God permits.

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“I believe God has answered those prayers, and my prayer for everyone here is that God answers whatever you ask of Him.”

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Reflecting on his career, Egbetokun said his journey in the police had been shaped by faith since graduating from the Nigeria Police Academy.

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“My entire life is filled with testimonies I cannot possibly capture in a book,” he said.

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He revealed that before joining the police he once dreamt of serving as a Deputy Inspector-General rather than the nation’s police chief.

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“In the dream I saw myself in a police staff car with the registration number NPF02, so I believed I would become a DIG,” he said.

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Egbetokun said the experience taught him that God sometimes conceals greater plans from individuals.

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He added that his passion for the police guided his conduct throughout his career.

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He said: “I knew whatever I did would affect the image of the force.

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“So I made it my duty to remain professional and uphold integrity, transparency and fairness.”

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In his remarks, the Force Chaplain, Joshua Omoyele, commended Egbetokun for completing the police chaplaincy building project during his tenure.

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Omoyele said the former I-G had long demonstrated commitment to Christian service even before his appointment.

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He noted that Egbetokun’s record as Commissioner of Police in Kwara and later as Assistant Inspector-General in Zone 7 testified to his dedication.

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Omoyele also credited him with initiating the Nigeria Police Force annual Christmas Carol and expanding its national visibility.

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(NAN)

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