After 35 years of police work, five officers who had hung up their uniforms were invited back to the Ogun State Command on Monday. This time, the call was to receive an honour.
At a ceremony in Abeokuta, Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni recognised the five retirees alongside 34 serving officers, bringing the number of award recipients to 39. He said a career spent facing the pressures and risks of policing deserved a proper farewell.
“It is not easy to serve for 35 years,” Ojajuni said at the Police Officers’ Mess, Ibara Housing Estate. He said the command wanted to bring the retirees back and thank them for serving their country diligently.
Among those honoured was former Special Weapons and Tactics commander, CSP Murphy Akanbi Salami, whom Ojajuni praised for his dedication and readiness to take on assignments. The commissioner also commended Salami’s former deputy, CSP Olaifa, and acknowledged the families who shared the strain of the retirees’ years in service.
For officers still on duty, Ojajuni said, the awards carried a message: their work was being noticed. He described the ceremony as part of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu’s effort to recognise distinguished service.
Speaking for the retirees, Salami said the recognition would encourage serving personnel. He called it an inaugural event for the command and offered one assurance as his colleagues entered retirement: “We are retiring today, but I want to assure you, we are not tired.”
The former officers, he said, remained willing to serve whenever their experience was needed.
He described Ojajuni as a father, mentor and caregiver, while appreciating serving officers who worked with the retirees throughout their careers.
Ojajuni also acknowledged the families of the retired officers for sharing the burden and challenges associated with their relatives’ years of police service.
Among the retirees honoured were former SWAT Commander, CSP Murphy Akanbi Salami, DST Hanifa Bello, DSP Olaifa Emmanuel, DSP Ayanlola Olatuji and DST Saanu Johnson.
