The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, has commended retired police officers for their years of dedicated service, saying their contributions to the Nigeria Police Force should be recognised and remembered by serving personnel.

Ojajuni was speaking at the CP’s Commendation and Awards Ceremony at the Police Officers’ Mess, Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta to honor police officers who had served the force meritoriously before their retirement.

He said the initiative was in line with the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu efforts to recognise officers who retired after distinguished service.

According to him, spending 35 years in the police was no easy task, given the pressure and risks associated with the profession.

“It is not easy to serve for 35 years. Police work is an onerous task. It is full of anxiety and stress. For you to weather the storm, to put in your best to serve your country diligently, youcan nott just go home like that. We have to bring you back to show appreciation to you, to honour you,” Ojajuni said.

The commissioner said the recognition was also intended to motivate serving officers to remain committed to their responsibilities, noting that they, too, would eventually retire from the force.

Ojajuni particularly praised the former Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) commander, CSP Murphy Akanbi Salami, whom he described as hardworking, dedicated and always willing to deliver on assignments.

He also commended Salami’s former deputy, CSP Olaifa, for his commitment to duty.

A total of 39 officers from the command were recognised at the ceremony, comprising five retired officers and 34 serving personnel.

The commissioner presented awards to officers who had distinguished themselves in service.

Speaking on behalf of the retired officers, Murphy Akanbi Salami commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Ogun State Police Command for recognising their contributions

He described the ceremony as an inaugural event in the history of the command and said such recognition would boost the morale of serving officers by demonstrating that their efforts were being documented and appreciated.

“We are retiring today, but I want to assure you, we are not tired.

At any point in time that our services to humanity will be required or requested, we are there for the Ogun State Police Command, Nigeria Police and Nigeria at large,” Salami said.

He described Ojajuni as a father, mentor and caregiver, while expressing appreciation to serving officers who worked with the retirees during their careers.

Ojajuni also acknowledged the families of the retired police officers, saying they deserved recognition for sharing the burden and challenges associated with their relatives’ years of police service.

The ceremony was held as part of activities preceding the command’s monthly briefing.