By Oluwatoyin Mathnuel
Tuesday, December 31, 2024, was a day filled with glitz, glamour, and emotions as DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, AIG Joshua Ayodeji Ogundele, and AIG Stephen Olanrewaju bid farewell to the Nigeria Police Force after 35 years of meritorious service to the nation.
The pull-out ceremony, held at the Nigeria Police College Parade Ground in Ikeja, Lagos, will forever be etched in the memories of these three senior officers who retired in good health, warmly welcomed by their families, friends, and well-wishers.
The presence of IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the Oniru of Iru Land, CP Ishola of the Lagos Command, retired DIG Kokumo, and other senior police officers added to the solemn yet heartfelt atmosphere. In his speech, IGP Egbetokun expressed how difficult it was to say goodbye to his longtime colleague and squad mate after 35 years of dedicated service, despite their strong working relationship and significant contributions to the force.
IGP Egbetokun urged the retired officers to continue offering their knowledge and expertise in the field of policing whenever needed
Retired DIG Johnson Kokumo’s brief but precise speech urged the retiring officers to remain good ambassadors of the Nigerian Police Force, Kokumo concluded by reminding the serving officers how inevitable retirement is to all as he implored Nigeria Police serving officers to accord due respect to retired colleagues.
The day’s celebrant, DIG Alabi, who also marked his 60th birthday during the ceremony, was filled with gratitude for the privilege of serving in the Nigeria Police Force. He reflected on the numerous challenges he faced over the years and the sacrifices made, acknowledging that overcoming these obstacles was a testament to God’s grace.
DIG Alabi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the institution for the privilege of serving, making a lasting impact. He warmly thanked his family, colleagues, the entire Police community for the unconditional love, encouragement, and support throughout his career.
In acknowledging the invaluable feedback, cooperation, and constructive criticism from his colleagues, he emphasized the importance of ethical conduct in policing. He advised serving officers to remain committed to their duties and uphold the ethical standards of the Nigeria Police Force, as this would contribute greatly to the success of the force and the rule of law.
When asked what he would miss most in retirement, an emotional DIG Alabi responded, “I will miss my uniform.”
The Eze Ndigbo of Ijegun/Ijeododo community, Ikotun- Lagos state, His Royal Majesty Eze Chika Nwokedi as usual was fully on ground for his colleagues and friends of ages. I his words’ DIG Alabi is one of the Nigeria Police officers to be reckon with , he need to be celebrated with all endowment, I duly congratulate him as he was honorably pulled out of the service successfully and alive; Similarly, I’ve had the pleasure of knowing AIG Ayodeji Ogundele during his tenure as CSP and DPO at Nnewi. He is always been gracious enough to attend my events, including the Iriji New Yam Festival of three months ago where himself and his wife spent hours with me . I decided to postpone my trip to the East to attend the pull-out parade ceremony. At this event, it is obvious that the retiring senior officers are highly respected for their exemplary service to the nation through the Police Force.’
The President of Ndi Igbo Buru Otu Association of Nigeria, Eze Nwokedi affirmed retired police officers Dig Alabi, Aig Ogundele , Aig Olanrewaju are remarkable set of Nigeria police officers to be associated with and who so ever avoid relating with them must be a criminal. Eze Chika Nwokedi prayed for peace of mind coupled with good health for the retired officers as he implored Nigerians to pray for the leaders as well remember President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in their closet for divine wisdom regardless of Nigeria economy situation.
Following the pull-out ceremony at the Ikeja Parade Ground, a grand 3-in-1 reception was held to honor DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi. Dignitaries from the Nigeria Police Force and beyond gathered to celebrate his 60th birthday and the unveiling of his book, Against All Odds, which chronicles remarkable journey of an exceptional Nigeria Police officer.
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At the reception ground was Pastor Tope Adewunmi,, DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi ‘s childhood friend who took the media down the memory lane of a remarkable, unbroken cord relationship of over 55 years which still wax stronger.
Pastor Adewunmi in his words’ ‘ “We have certain thing in common right from childhood and we were well nurtured by our parents, as discipline personalities, which made him to uphold ‘Integrity’ as a key word.
“Abiodun hates cheating and never looks down on anyone. He is a humanitarian to the core. Throughout all these years, he has maintained his integrity without any form of segregation,” Pastor Adewunmi said. He concluded by praying for his dear friend, wishing him strength and fulfillment in this new chapter of his life outside the Nigeria Police Forc
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