Ikeja Police Division bids farewell to retired officers as CSP Oke hosts a grand send-off

The Ikeja Police Division of the Lagos State Police Command on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, held a colourful send-off ceremony in honour of nine retired police officers who successfully completed 35 years of meritorious service in the Nigeria Police Force.

The event, organised by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ikeja Division, CSP Akinwunmi Oke, brought together senior police officers, colleagues, family members and well-wishers to celebrate the distinguished careers and invaluable contributions of the retired personnel to the Force.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Area Commander, Area F Command, Ikeja, ACP Paul Azuka Okafor, urged serving police personnel to remain humble, compassionate and courteous while performing their duties, stressing that members of the public deserve respect and kindness from officers at all times.

ACP Okafor noted that there is always a reward for faithful service and encouraged the retired officers to see retirement as a new beginning rather than the end of life.

“God is a rewarder of every good work. You have all served the Nigeria Police Force with dedication, and God will reward you. There are tremendous testimonies of people who retired from the Force and later found greater opportunities. Better days are ahead. Do not lose hope or despair because retirement does not mean the end of life. Life continues, and God opens doors that no man expects,” he said.

He further illustrated his point by recounting the story of a retired police officer who was unexpectedly recommended for a lucrative job after leaving the Force, urging the retirees to remain optimistic and prayerful as they begin a new phase of life.

The Area Commander also advised the retired officers to take proper care of their health and continue to be worthy ambassadors of the Nigeria Police Force in retirement.

In his welcome address, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Akinwunmi Oke, expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, and the Area Commander, ACP Paul Azuka Okafor, for the confidence reposed in him to serve as the DPO of Ikeja Division.

He pledged not to disappoint the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and promised to continue discharging his responsibilities with professionalism, integrity and dedication.

Addressing the retired officers, CSP Oke described the nine retirees as diligent, disciplined and committed officers who discharged their duties with excellence throughout their careers.

He urged them to continue to be good citizens and ambassadors of the Force, noting that their years of dedicated service and good works would continue to speak for them long after retirement.

“You have served your fatherland faithfully. As you leave active service, continue to uphold the values of integrity, discipline and honesty. Your good works will continue to speak for you wherever you go,” the DPO said, as he wished them good health, peace and fulfilment in retirement.

As part of the celebration, the DPO and officers of Ikeja Division presented special gifts to the nine retired officers. The presentations were made in batches by the Area Commander, ACP Paul Azuka Okafor; Commander, SPU Base 16, CSP Olatunji Alapini (Jnr.); the Divisional Police Officer, Mosafejo Division, CSP Fidelis; while the final presentation was made by the guest artiste, Small Doctor.

The event became even more colourful as Small Doctor thrilled guests with exciting musical performances, prompting police officers, family members and other invited guests to dance in celebration of the retirees’ outstanding service to the nation.

The nine retired officers honoured at the ceremony are DSP Haniel Isnaia, DSP Jude Nwanwu, DSP Edoh Obeya Mary, DSP Bakare Jimoh, DSP Sunday Oghogho, ASP Musa Sabo, ASP Christie Williams, ASP Ailohi Imolode and ASP Joseph Ehioje.

The ceremony attracted several senior police officers and distinguished guests, including ACP Paul Azuka Okafor, Commander SPU Base 16 CSP Olatunji Alapini (Jnr.), the Second-in-Command of Area F Command, CSP Silvanus Oshiomogho, the Divisional Police Officer of Mosafejo Division, CSP Fidelis, popular music star Small Doctor, and many other invited guests.

During his performance, Small Doctor commended the Nigeria Police Force for its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the country. He praised the proactive efforts of police officers in maintaining law and order and called on Nigerians to continue supporting the Force in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

As a mark of appreciation for the retirees’ years of dedicated service, the artiste also announced that he would present them with a financial token in recognition of their sacrifices and commitment to the nation.