RESPONSIBLE PARENTING KEY TO TACKLING NIGERIA’S SECURITY CHALLENGES – IGP

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has identified responsible parenting, discipline and sound moral values at home as critical to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing that policing alone cannot guarantee a safe society.

Disu stated this while serving as chief launcher at the unveiling of a book titled _Origin of Police Women in Nigeria: The Story of the Pioneer Women Officers and My Journey in the Nigeria Police Force (1955-1996)_, authored by 96-year-old retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dame Stella Okuyiga, in Port Harcourt during the week.

The IGP said the foundation of a secure society begins at home, where children should be taught discipline, respect for the law and positive values that promote responsible citizenship.

“Parents have a significant role to play in shaping the character and conduct of their children. Failure to instil appropriate values at an early age could contribute to delinquency and some of the security challenges confronting the country,” he said.

According to him, effective policing requires the support of responsible families and law-abiding communities, as well as stronger cooperation between the police and members of the public.

Disu emphasised that the task of ensuring security should not be left to security agencies alone, urging families and communities to complement police efforts by promoting discipline, mutual respect and adherence to the law.

Beyond the security message, the IGP used the occasion to celebrate the contributions of pioneering female officers who helped shape the history and development of the Nigeria Police Force.

He described the book unveiling as more than a literary event, saying it provided an opportunity to recognise the courage, sacrifices and achievements of the early women officers who broke barriers and created opportunities for succeeding generations.

The police boss also highlighted the significance of the event coinciding with the International Week of the Girl Child, stressing that gender should not constitute a barrier to the ambitions, aspirations and opportunities available to girls.

Disu paid tribute to Dame Okuyiga, whom he identified as one of the first 20 women admitted into the Nigeria Police Force in 1955, describing her generation as trailblazers who established a place for women in an institution where opportunities were once limited.

He noted that the experiences and achievements of the pioneer officers deserved recognition, adding that documenting their contributions would help preserve an important part of the history of policing in Nigeria.

The book, which chronicles the history of women in Nigerian policing and Okuyiga’s personal journey in the force from 1955 to 1996, is expected to provide valuable historical insight into the struggles, sacrifices and progress of female police officers over the decades.

King Onunwor