By Achile Danjuma
The immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has revealed that his leadership of the Nigeria Police Force was anchored on three specific prayers he made upon assuming office in 2023.
Mr. Egbetokun shared the deeply personal moment during a retirement thanksgiving service held in his honour on Saturday at the Force Headquarters Chapel in Abuja. The event also served as the platform for the inauguration of the newly completed Nigeria Police Force Chaplaincy edifice, drawing senior police officers and worshippers.
Reflecting on his unexpected appointment, the former I-G described a private moment of spiritual surrender that set the tone for his tenure. “I was not expecting the appointment when it came. The first thing I did when I entered the office alone was to pray,” he disclosed.
He outlined his threefold prayer: “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.” Looking back, Egbetokun expressed gratitude, stating, “I believe God has answered those prayers.”
In a moment of reflection, Egbetokun recounted a prophetic dream from his early career that shaped his expectations. Contrary to aspiring to the very top, he dreamt of reaching the number two position. “In the dream I saw myself in a police staff car with the registration number NPF02, so I believed I would become a DIG (Deputy Inspector-General of Police),” he said. The experience, he noted, taught him that God’s plans can be greater than one’s own visions.
Throughout his career, which began after graduating from the Nigeria Police Academy, Egbetokun said his conduct was guided by a passion for the force and an acute awareness of his responsibility. “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,” he stated. “My entire life is filled with testimonies I cannot possibly capture in a book.”
Adding to the tributes, the Force Chaplain, Joshua Omoyele, praised Egbetokun for his unwavering commitment to both his faith and the force. He specifically commended the former I-G for completing the police chaplaincy building project and for initiating the Nigeria Police Force annual Christmas Carol, an event he noted has gained national prominence under Egbetokun’s guidance.
Omoyele attested that the former I-G’s dedication to Christian service was evident long before his appointment, citing his exemplary records as Commissioner of Police in Kwara and later as Assistant Inspector-General in Zone 7.