My retirement came at the perfect time —Ex-IGP Egbetokun

Former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has described his retirement from the Nigeria Police Force as the fulfilment of God’s divine plan, saying it came at the perfect time.

Egbetokun made the remarks during a retirement thanksgiving service held in his honour at the Force Headquarters Chapel in Abuja.

The event also included the inauguration of the Police Chaplaincy building and was attended by senior police officers, clergy, and other worshippers.

Reflecting on his time as the nation’s top police officer, Egbetokun revealed that he never expected his appointment as IGP in 2023, and that his first action after assuming office was to pray.

“I was not expecting the appointment when it came. The first thing I did when I entered the office alone was to pray,” he said.

He disclosed that upon taking over the leadership of the force, he offered three personal prayers—to have wisdom to lead effectively, grace to end his tenure well, and not to remain in office beyond the time divinely allotted to him.

“My first prayer was for wisdom to run the office, the second was for grace to end well, and the third was not to stay a day longer than God permits. I believe God has answered those prayers,” he said.

Egbetokun said faith played a central role in his career, guiding him from his early days after graduating from the police academy to the top position in the force.

He also recounted a dream before joining the force in which he saw himself as a Deputy Inspector-General travelling in a police vehicle bearing the registration number “NPF02,” an experience he said taught him that life unfolds in unexpected ways.

“I knew whatever I did would affect the image of the force, so I made it my duty to remain professional and uphold integrity, transparency, and fairness,” he added.

In his remarks, the Force Chaplain, Joshua Omoyele, commended Egbetokun for completing the Police Chaplaincy building project during his tenure, describing it as a lasting legacy.

Omoyele highlighted Egbetokun’s long-standing commitment to Christian service and noted his achievements in previous roles, including Commissioner of Police in Kwara State and Assistant Inspector-General in Zone 7.

He also credited him with initiating and expanding the force’s annual Christmas carol programme nationwide.

The thanksgiving service served as both a reflection on Egbetokun’s years of service and a symbolic conclusion of his tenure, with the former IGP affirming that his exit from office came neither too early nor too late, but exactly when it was meant to.