Known for his penchant for creating firsts, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, comprising Lagos and Ogun states, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, has hailed the Nigeria Police Force for its steadfastness in the sustained fight against crime and criminality, saying the Police will remain agent of peace in the society.
AIG Fayoade made the remarks while addressing a crowd of attendants at the maiden Christmas Carol/End of the Year Celebration, with the theme, Police: Agent of Peace to the World, in honour of the dutiful men and officers of Zone 2 of the Nigerian Police, which the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) attended.
The event, which had in attendance representatives of the various arms of security apparatuses including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Airforce, Department of State Security (DSS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Customs Service, and Immigration, kickstarted with a heartfelt opening prayer by CSP (Rev Father) Paul Ogbo before the ebullient Police Band led the guests of notable dignitaries through the recitation of the National Anthem, and heartwarming praise and worship session that everyone on their toes, singing, praising and dancing on to the Lord for His goodness all through the year.
Thereafter, AIG Fayoade, who has been praised for his dexterity in policing, intelligence and goal getting abilities, delivered a welcome speech that centered on praises for policemen for jobs well done.
While emphasizing on the need to be proactive, even in peace time, the AIG acknowledged every attendee, with special emphasis to his wife, who is also the Chairperson of Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), Zone 2 branch, Mrs Adenike Fayoade, and kickstarted an avalanche of Bible readings, praise melodies and medley.
“As police officers, we are not just enforcers of the law; we are also called to be agents of peace in our communities.
“This season reminds us of the essence of peace, goodwill, and gratitude.”
The first Bible reading was taken from the book of Isaiah 9: 1-6 by AIG Fayoade while Brigadier-General Igbokwe, who represented the General Officer Commanding 81 Divsion took the second Bible reading from the book of Luke 2: 15-20.
The third and fourth bible readings were taken by the representative of Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command and representative of the AOC from the books of Luke 26: 1-14 and Matthew 1: 18-25 respectively.
Thereafter, the guest minister, Reverend Ben Eragbai exhorted the congregation on the theme ‘favour’ opening the floodgates of Carol songs from invited choirs including Nigerian Airforce Chaplaincy Choir, Zumunta MataPolice Chaplaincy Choir, Nigerian Army Chaplaincy Choir, Zone 2 Chaplaincy Choir, Nigerian Navy Chaplaincy Choir, Our Saviour’s Church Choir, and Lagos State Command Chaplaincy Choir.
It was altogether a moment of soul lifting exercise and exchange of pleasantries, love and camaraderie among the rank and files of the Police for a year of fulfillment, health and most importantly, life.
Speaking to NAOSNP on the sidelines, the elated AIG appreciated his staff for their efforts in putting together the Carol, the first of its kind in the history of the Zone.
“We have created a first in the positive repositioning of appreciative tendencies, and I’m sure a lit of our colleagues and others will follow suit.
“I thank the governors of Lagos and Ogun states for their support in our policing duties as well senior and junior officers of this Zone including CSP Tijani Taofiq; they have all been wonderful,” he said.
In his vote of thanks, DCP Martin Nwogoh, lauded the royal fathers, especially the white cap Chiefs that represented the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiotu, members of the security agencies and the general public, who trooped out enmasse to make the day a success.
“Expect a much more bigger celebration in the coming year,” he concluded.
CSP (Ven) Tope Ojamo said the closing, bring to a close the first ever Carol and end of the year party of the Zone 2 Police Command.
