The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has praised the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for strengthening its commitment to justice, equity, and the protection of human dignity as the country marks the 70th anniversary of women in policing.
Senator Tinubu gave the commendation at an event themed “70 Years of Courage and Service: Honoring Women in Policing, Inspiring the Future,” which drew national and international dignitaries to celebrate the contributions of women to law enforcement in Nigeria.
She described the anniversary as an opportunity to acknowledge shared global values and honour women who have consistently served on the frontlines of peace, community safety, and national development.
The First Lady also hailed the leadership of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for aligning the Force with global best practices and prioritizing gender mainstreaming in its institutional framework.
At the event, Senator Tinubu emphasized the need to build an even stronger foundation for future generations of female officers.
She praised women in the Force for strengthening families and communities while representing Nigeria with excellence at home and abroad. She also encouraged young women to consider careers in policing, noting that the profession offers opportunities for service, dignity, honour, and responsibility.
Inspector General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun highlighted the significant progress women have made across all levels of policing in Nigeria.
He noted that female officers now take on operational, tactical, investigative, administrative, and strategic responsibilities, including participation in specialized units, international peacekeeping missions, and leadership roles.
Reflecting on the evolution of women in the Force since 1955—when their duties were restricted to welfare, clerical tasks, and child-related cases—the IGP said their discipline and professionalism have since redefined policing standards and expanded opportunities within the institution.
Assistant Inspector General of Police Aishatu Abubakar Baju also acknowledged the diverse accomplishments of Nigerian policewomen in fields such as intelligence, forensics, tactical operations, sports, community development, social welfare, and juvenile protection.
She noted their leadership roles in national security and crisis management, describing them as resilient and committed public servants.
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasized the importance of resilience, service, and integrity in policing.
She urged serving officers to exceed professional expectations and encouraged young recruits to uphold strong work ethics, discipline, and professionalism in order to contribute to national security and build lasting legacies.
In her keynote address, the first female Commissioner of Police of the Bahamas, Shante Knowles, congratulated Nigeria on the milestone and reflected on the pioneering achievements of the women who joined the NPF in 1955.
She shared insights from her own career progression, underscoring the significance of perseverance, courage, empathy, and effective leadership. She urged Nigerian policewomen to continue breaking barriers and leading advancements in modern policing.
Bello Wakili
