Ogun CP Bode Ojajuni: Police Commendation Honors 39 Officers

• Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, presented commendation awards to 39 officers.
• The awards recognized five retired and 34 serving officers for their distinguished service.
• Commissioner Ojajuni described policing as taxing and stressful, emphasizing the difficulty of a 35-year career.
• The initiative aims to honor past contributions and motivate current officers to strive for extraordinary performance.
• Retired officers, represented by CSP Salami Murphy, expressed gratitude and pledged continued service, stating they are "retired but not tired."

Commissioner Ojajuni stressed that such long-term, diligent service to the nation, often under arduous conditions, warrants formal appreciation rather than a quiet departure.

The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, recently recognized the dedicated service of 39 police officers, comprising both retired and active personnel. During a ceremony held on Monday at the Police Officers’ Mess in Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta, Commissioner Ojajuni presented commendation awards, emphasizing the inherently taxing and stressful nature of police work.

Five retired officers were among those honored for their distinguished careers. These included DST Anifat Bello, a well-known Abeokuta Traffic Officer who retired in August and had also received recent recognition from the Inspector General of Police. Other retired recipients were CSP Salami Murphy, formerly the Special Weapons and Tactics Commander, along with DSP Olaifa Emmanuel, DSP Ayanlola Olatunji, and DST Saanu Johnson.

In addition to the retirees, 34 serving officers received commendation awards. Notable among these were SP Shittu Bamidele, who heads the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, SP Gbenga Ayodele, who is the Officer-in-Charge, Anti-Robbery Unit, DSP Sheriff Balogun, who is the 2IC, SWAT, ASP Olupona Helen, and ASP Jimoh Lasisi. The event served as a formal acknowledgment of their commitment and sacrifice in protecting lives and property across the state and country.

Commissioner Ojajuni articulated that the commendation initiative aligns with broader efforts by the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to acknowledge officers who have served with distinction. He underscored the immense challenges associated with a 35-year career in law enforcement, citing the constant pressure and inherent risks of the profession. Ojajuni stressed that such long-term, diligent service to the nation, often under arduous conditions, warrants formal appreciation rather than a quiet departure.

The CP further explained that these awards serve a dual purpose: not only to honor past contributions but also to motivate current officers. He highlighted that recognizing exemplary service encourages those still active to maintain diligence and commitment, viewing it as a vital lesson for their own careers. Ojajuni urged serving personnel to strive for extraordinary performance beyond their routine duties, emphasizing that such exceptional effort is what truly distinguishes an officer and leads to recognition.

Speaking on behalf of the retired officers, CSP Salami Murphy expressed profound gratitude to the Command for the gesture. He affirmed that while they may have retired from active duty, their commitment to service remains unwavering, famously stating, "We are retiring today, but I want to assure you that we are not tired."

Murphy lauded Commissioner Ojajuni, describing him as a father figure, mentor, and caregiver. He also extended appreciation to the serving officers who had collaborated with them throughout their careers. The retired officers collectively pledged their readiness to offer their services to humanity, the Ogun State Police Command, the Nigeria Police, and Nigeria at large, should their expertise ever be required.

Source: Original reporting via Punch