24 Retired Police Detectives Splashed With Multi Million Naira Dangote Shares After IGP’s Visit to SCID Panti
Goodwill has continued to trail the retirement of twenty-four (24) detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Yaba, Lagos, as Abayomi Awoboku, CEO of Konstrutum Construction, has purchased millions of naira worth of Dangote Refinery and Petroleum shares for the retired officers.
The businessman, who was among the dignitaries invited to the retirement reception, has also engaged a professional investment firm to manage the shares and ensure maximum returns for the beneficiaries.
The unprecedented gesture followed the recent historic visit of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, to the department and his attendance at the retirement ceremony few months ago.
In a video, Awoboku said the gesture was aimed at appreciating the retired police veterans and encouraging serving officers and the Nigeria Police Force in their continued service to our Fatherland.
Reacting to the gesture, the Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command, CP Fatai Tijani expressed profound gratitude to the donor.
Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the department, DCP Dayo Akinbisehin paid glowing tribute to IGP Disu and CP Fatai Tijani, for their leadership and support, under which the department and its retired veterans have continued to thrive.
In an appreciation letter to the donor on behalf of CP Fatai Tijani and the beneficiaries, DCP Akinbisehin wrote in part:
“May I, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Lagos State, CP Fatai Tijani aswell as the recently retired officers of this department, convey our profound appreciation for your benevolence and invaluable support towards the successful retirement reception organised in honour of our veteran officers.
“Your generous contribution constituted a remarkable demonstration of corporate responsibility, institutional solidarity and enduring goodwill towards the Nigeria Police Force.
“The occasion was further elevated by the physical presence of our Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, psc, NPM.”
The retirement ceremony, held at the SCID headquarters in Panti, Yaba, was particularly significant as it brought together senior police officers, dignitaries and colleagues to celebrate 24 officers who had completed 35 years of service to the nation.
While speaking at the event, IGP Disu used the occasion to appreciate the retirees for their years of sacrifice and reassure them of the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force beyond active service.
Congratulating the officers, Disu said their retirement marked the completion of an important chapter in their careers but did not bring their relationship with the Force to an end.
“Congratulations to all of you for successfully completing thirty-five years of service in the Nigeria Police Force. This is not the end of everything. We will continue to support you, even after service. We appreciate all you did for your fatherland,” the IGP said.
In a further reassurance that resonated with the retirees, Disu declared that their identity and connection with the Force would remain for life.
“You are still police officers. For life, you are police officers. And we’ll continue to take care of your welfare. I wish you the best anywhere you go. Thank you so much,” he said.
The retired officers were described as men and women whose 35 years of service represented hundreds of thousands of hours of commitment to public safety and the protection of lives and property.
Their careers were noted to have been characterised by night shifts, work in heavy rain and duty on public holidays, often at the expense of time with their families.
The eminent gathering drawn from all facet of life including HRM Oba Rilwanu Osuolale Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos as royal father of the day with his White Cap Chiefs, acknowledged the important contributions of the officers to the investigation of complex and sensitive cases handled by the SCID, reaffirming Panti as the highest investigation police department in Lagos State.
The appreciating members of the public also paid tribute to spouses of some of the retired officers who accompanied the veterans including
children and other family members to the epoch event, for the sacrifices they made throughout the officers’ careers, particularly the long nights, missed celebrations and prolonged absences occasioned by the demands of police work.
One of the retirees, DSP Benson Emuerhi, described his 35-year career as challenging but fulfilling, explaining that his decision to join the Force was primarily motivated by a desire to serve humanity.
Emuerhi, who served in the Prosecution Department, recalled intervening in disputes involving minor cases which otherwise could have escalated into more serious conflicts.
He said such experiences reinforced his commitment to public service but expressed concern that police officers remained poorly appreciated despite the enormous sacrifices associated with their profession.
Highlighting the peculiar demands of policing, he said officers were expected to remain available for duty irrespective of weekends, public holidays or personal emergencies.
“Police work is different. There is no Saturday or Sunday when it comes to protecting lives and property,” he said.
Another retiree, DSP Rita Momah, who also completed about 35 years in the Force, emphasised the importance of continuous training, professionalism and respect for human dignity in modern policing.
Momah urged serving officers to adopt a human face in their interactions with suspects, victims and members of the public, stressing that the protection of human dignity should remain central to police operations.
The ceremony therefore served not only as a celebration of the retirees’ decades of service but also as an opportunity to reflect on the importance of institutional support, improved welfare and sustained investment in the well-being of police personnel.
The retiring officers send forth initiative, third in its series, has become an integral part of Lagos State CID Panti tradition, since the deployment of DCP Dayo Akinbisehin as head of the department.
The noble initiative was approved by CP Fatai Tijani in line with the Inspector General of Police IGP Tunji Disu policy thrust in prioritizing personnel welfare for serving and retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
With Awoboku’s benevolence leading to life long shares-purchase deal for the retired officers, adding a significant dimension to the recognition of the retired detectives, the gesture stands out as an encouraging example of private-sector support for public service veterans and a reminder of the value of appreciating those who have dedicated their lives to protecting society.
