Oba of Lagos Urges New IGP to Prioritize Police Welfare Amid Recruitment Concerns
Oba Rilwanu Babatunde Akiolu, the traditional ruler of Lagos, has issued a compelling appeal to the newly appointed Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, to place a high priority on enhancing the welfare of police officers across Nigeria. This call to action was made during a visit by a delegation from the Police Service Commission to the Oba's palace, where Akiolu, a retired police officer himself, expressed deep concerns over the current state of police recruitment and morale.
Lamenting Poor Recruitment and Youth Disinterest
In his address, Oba Akiolu highlighted a troubling trend: the ongoing recruitment exercise for the Nigeria Police Force has seen a notably low turnout of youths from Lagos. He lamented that despite the police job being one of the best professions available, many young people are reluctant to join. "The majority of our youths are hardworking and brilliant, but they are not willing to join the police," he stated, emphasizing that this reluctance undermines the force's potential.
Akiolu pointed out that the behavior of policemen often reflects the society they serve, urging officers to maintain civility in their interactions with residents. He stressed the importance of officers retiring well, with full access to their benefits and entitlements, as a key aspect of improving overall welfare.
Advocating for Comprehensive Support and Discipline
The monarch further advocated for a holistic approach to police care, noting that Nigeria is a blessed country with the potential to become a shining example globally. He called on policemen to cultivate discipline, hard work, and honesty, advising them to "tell people the truth and not what they want to hear." Additionally, he encouraged continuous self-improvement through knowledge acquisition, which he believes is essential for excelling in their duties.
Akiolu expressed optimism about the new IGP's tenure, acknowledging the significant efforts of the immediate past IGP and hoping that Disu would build upon these successes to foster a more effective and respected police force.
Police Service Commission's Recruitment Efforts and State Police Discussions
Earlier in the meeting, DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), Chairman of the Committee on Police Matters at the Police Service Commission, led the delegation and provided context for their visit. He explained that the team was in Lagos to conduct screening as part of a broader initiative to recruit 50,000 constables into the Nigeria Police Force. However, he lamented the poor initial interest in Lagos, with fewer than 1,500 applicants before a campaign was launched to boost numbers.
Lakanu implored traditional rulers, including Oba Akiolu, to encourage more young residents to apply for police positions. He also revealed that the Police Service Commission has commenced discussions on the establishment of state police, noting that Lagos State is well-prepared and has the necessary structures to initiate this process, which could potentially address some of the recruitment and operational challenges highlighted by the Oba.
This meeting underscores the critical need for improved police welfare and recruitment strategies in Nigeria, as emphasized by one of the country's most influential traditional leaders.
