IGP Egbetokun Credits Tinubu for Transforming His Life, Career

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has attributed his success to President Bola Tinubu, saying his life was transformed within 24 hours of meeting him in 1998.

Egbetokun spoke at the unveiling of a book in his honor titled “Readings in Policing, Peace, and Security” in Abuja.

“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,” Egbetokun said.

As a Deputy Superintendent of Police in 1999, Egbetokun served as the Chief Security Officer to Tinubu, who was the governor of Lagos State at the time. Upon becoming the President in May 2023, Tinubu appointed Egbetokun as the IG in June 2023, replacing Usman Baba.

Egbetokun is billed to retire from the police this September at age 60, but the National Assembly recently amended the Police Act to guarantee the stay of the IG till the end of their fixed tenure, irrespective of the civil service retirement age.

Speaking about the book, Egbetokun said it would serve as a reference material and a source of inspiration for young officers. “I can now confidently say that this book is an indispensable result for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners in the field of policing, peace, and security. 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.”

President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, described the book as a fitting tribute to the IG.

“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.”