The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Ikorodu West Chapter, has honoured the Divisional Police Officer in-charge of Owutu Divisional Police Headquarters, Ikorodu, Lagos, Awe Olukayode, for his dedication to duty and efforts to combat crime in the area.
PFN Chairman, Pastor Richard Igberaese, who led executive members of the chapter on courtesy visit to the DPO, affirmed the good job Mr. Olukayode and his team are doing in the area, saying it is for that, that PFN, Ikorodu West Chapter is presenting a plaque to him.
Igberaese, who noted that efforts of the police are not recognised in the country, acknowledged that there are still good officers in the force who are doing marvelously well. Intimating the DPO why their visit was necessary, the chairman said they had seen some fine officers who are doing well and want the public to know that not all officers in the force are bad.
“ In a country where the police seem to have a very good image, when we see any doing very well we will appreciate him/her and at the same time want the public to know that everybody is not same. We noticed that your activities in this area have reduced crime rate in the community. There were some specific cases that were reported to us in our meetings and we felt this is good and worth recognising,” he said.
He recalled that in 1978, when he lost his job and was using his car for kabukabu, as a young graduate, unfortunately armed robbers stole the car and eventually the police recovered it, but when he tried to retrieve the car, some police officers demanded some money from him, but one Mr. Osakwe stopped the move and order for the release of the car to him without paying a kobo.
“I am happy there are still people like Mr. Osakwe in the service as exemplified by you. People should not only hear when something bad happens, they should also know that we have somebody who is exceptional in the police force, which is the reason we have come to pay you a courtesy visit,” Igberaese said.
The PFN Chairman urged Mr. Olukayode and his team to continue their good work and not join the multitude to do evil, adding that in due time God will reward them.
The group also appealed to police authority and traffic managers in the state to make laws that will regulate the activities of tricycle riders (known as Keke Napep) and commercial motorcyclists (Okada) in the area, saying they violate traffic rules.
Acknowledging their contributions, the group pleaded that they should not be taken away from the roads, but for their activities to be regulated across in the country.
Responding the DPO said: “This is more than money can buy. I do not have much to say, but to thank you. This award is very precious to me, it is something I never expected. Sometimes, you would not know that people are assessing you. I dedicate this for more work, more result and for all the officers in Owutu Police Station because DPO cannot do it alone and, so, we thank you very much.”
Olukayode disclosed that the job of policing is changing and that with the commitment of Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, police have been charged to partner with the public.
He said: “You are the one that will be able to assess us. We have been charged to go and work with you and our prayer is for the public to believe and accept us and this is the testimony.”
Urging Nigerians to continue to support the Police Force by way of advice and correction, Olukayode said: “We need more support, advise and correction. Please help us to educate the public to see police as their own police, as we strive to make the society crime free. Please, support us to make our environment a peaceful place to live. We welcome any advise, as far as it is in regards to the security and development of Owutu and Lagos State in general.”
