The 23rd of January will be a remarkable day for The Nigerian Police Force as The Lagos State Command Band was officially commissioned by Inspector General of Police- Kayode Egbetokun PhD, NPM; at an elaborate ceremony at The Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Secretariat on Oduduwa Way, GRA-Ikeja.
The Police IG who was particularly impressed by the launch of the band described it as a symbol of discipline, unity and professionalism in the ranks and file of the Police Force.
Egbetokun while pledging to do everything within his authority to add modern touch to its establishment, lauded The Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command-CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh (FMNIMC, NIMC, CMC, FCAL, Anipr, Arpa), for his leadership style especially, with the feats that he has achieved in Lagos.
The Police IG who also awarded Police Youth Ambassador cum Music Icon Korede Bello an honorary Chief Superintendent of Police by popular demand, also advised commissioners from other commands to take a cue from The Command CP.
Egbetokun also described the Police Band as the first of its kind in the command. He later launched it for operational and ceremonial activities, while charging members of the band to uphold ethical standards and professionalism in the course of their performance.
The Commissioner of Police-Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh in his welcome remarks expressed his gratitude to God for allowing something such as this to happen during his time, as the commissioner of police.
While thanking The Police IG for finding time to do the launching ceremony in spite of his busy schedule, he explained that the establishment of The Command’s Band has a lot of advantages attached to it.
According to him, the band will serve the following purposes:
1. Public Relations and Police Community Trust- this will help to give the police a human touch, soften public perception and help to build trust in the police.
2. Crowd Control and Public Order Support as the music from the band will help to dowse the tension in the crowd, whenever there is tension in the land.
3. Ceremonial and State Functions
4. Boosting Morale and Discipline Within The Force.
5. Image Building and Corporate Identity.
6. Cultural Integration in a Mega City like Lagos.
7. Support for Community Policing Initiatives.
8. International Best Practice and Benchmarking.
9. Stress Management and Mental Wellbeing and
10. Revenue and Partnership Opportunities.
CP Jimoh who is of the belief that the band will be of immense benefit to the Police Force described its establishment, as timely based on the fact that it was borne out of patriotism, passion for the job as well as ever growing demand of the commanding especially, in a mega city such as Lagos.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu who was represented at the occasion by The Secretary to State Government-Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin expressed strong belief in the establishment of The Police Band as it would go a long way to ensure a tighter synergy between the government and police.
Earlier, The Executive Secretary of The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan while speaking on the power of music to the soul, promised to engage the band on his platform during his annual musical concert at a fee.
The Chief Judge of Lagos-Honourable Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba who spoke at the event also gave his support for the establishment of The Lagos State Police Command Band.
Director of Music-The Nigerian Police Band-DCP Favour U. Chinonyerem also threw her support for the establishment of the band
Some personalities present at the band launch were: The 58th Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft-Rear Admiral Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, AIG Zone 2, Lagos and Ogun Commands-AIG Adegoke Mustapha Fayoade, AIGs both active and retired, CPs, Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Agric- Honourable Abiodun Mufutau Yinusa and The Senior Special Assistant to Mr. President on Industrial Training & Development-Honourable Adamson O Ayinde among others.
Others included: Fmr. Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties in Osun State and the Executive Director Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority-Engineer Olalekan Badmus, The Chairperson of POWA -Mrs Oluwatoyin Risqot Jimoh, The representative of GM Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, members of The Lagos State Police Command, Traditional Rulers and numerous personalities who work hand in hand with the police to maintain law and order in the state.
Later, The Afro-Centric Musician and Poliice Ambassador Korede Bello also thrilled the guests with some lyrics from his songs.
High point of the event was when the command band ceremoniously matched into the hall while playing their different musical instruments. They performed various songs in front of the guests. Later, IGP Egbetokun officially launched the band.
