By Ebinum Samuel
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni yesterday joined Catholic faithful, senior officers and other members of the Nigeria Police Force at St. Martin’s Police Catholic Church to commemorate three significant events marking an important milestone in the spiritual and institutional development of the Catholic community.
The occasion, according to DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, the Command spokesman, was graced by the presence of Most Rev. Dr. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo, Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, who presided over the various religious ceremonies.
Among the senior officers present were ACP Gloria Otonko, ACP X-Squad, and other senior officers of the Command, who joined the Catholic faithful in the celebration.
The first event was the Sacrament of Confirmation administered to 65 candidates by Most Rev. Dr. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo. The ceremony brought together the candidates, their families, Catholic faithful and members of the Police community in an atmosphere of faith, thanksgiving and spiritual renewal.
The Bishop subsequently blessed the newly constructed Grotto of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, a sacred facility established to provide a serene environment for prayer, devotion and spiritual reflection. The blessing was witnessed by CP Bode Ojajuni, senior Police officers and members of the Catholic community.
Another major highlight of the occasion was the foundation-laying and blessing ceremony for the Catholic Chaplains’ House, which will provide residential accommodation for Catholic Chaplains and further enhance pastoral and spiritual activities within the Police community.
Speaking at the occasion, CP Bode Ojajuni congratulated the 65 candidates who received the Sacrament of Confirmation and commended the Catholic community for its steadfast commitment to faith, discipline, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity.
The CP emphasized the importance of religious tolerance and mutual respect among adherents of different faiths, noting that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and the ability of citizens to live together peacefully irrespective of religious or ethnic differences. He stressed that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting the rights of all citizens to freely practise their respective religions within the ambit of the law.
CP Ojajuni further noted that religious tolerance is fundamental to sustainable peace and security, urging religious leaders and faithful across all denominations to continue preaching messages of love, unity, understanding and peaceful coexistence. He encouraged members of the various faith communities to reject extremism, intolerance and any ideology capable of undermining the peace and unity of the nation.
The CP also commended the Catholic Chaplain, CSP Rev. Fr. Paul Omotosho, for his dedication to the spiritual welfare of Police personnel and members of the Catholic community. He emphasized the importance of spiritual guidance in strengthening moral discipline, integrity and responsible conduct among personnel.
