EGBETOKUN SHARES THREE KEY PRAYERS THAT GUIDED HIS TENURE AS IGP

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By: Muftau Fatimo

The immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, revealed that three prayers guided his leadership after he assumed office in 2023.

Egbetokun made the disclosure on Saturday in Abuja during a retirement thanksgiving service held in his honor at the Force Headquarters Chapel.

The event also marked the inauguration of the Nigeria Police Force Chaplaincy building and was attended by senior officers and worshippers.

He stated that his initial prayers upon taking office were for wisdom to lead effectively, grace to conclude his tenure successfully, and divine guidance to step down at the right time according to God’s plan.

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.

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

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

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

“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.

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

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

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

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

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

Omoyele noted that the former IGP had shown a longstanding commitment to Christian service even before his appointment.

He highlighted that Egbetokun’s tenure as Commissioner of Police in Kwara and later as Assistant Inspector-General in Zone 7 reflected his dedication and exemplary service.

Omoyele also acknowledged Egbetokun for initiating the Nigeria Police Force’s annual Christmas Carol and enhancing its national prominence.