Oluremi Tinubu applauds Nigerian policewomen on 70-year anniversary

By Kunle Sanni –

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has praised the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for prioritising gender mainstreaming and aligning with global best practices as the country celebrates 70 years of women in policing.

Speaking at an anniversary event themed “70 Years of Courage and Service: Honoring Women in Policing, Inspiring the Future,” the first lady described the milestone as a tribute to women who have served on the frontlines of peace, security, and community safety. The ceremony drew both national and international dignitaries.

Tinubu commended Inspector General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun for strengthening institutional support for female officers. She urged the police to continue building a stronger foundation for the next generation of women in uniform.

“To the women of the Nigeria Police Force, you have not only upheld the law; you have uplifted your homes and the nation,” she said. She also encouraged young girls to see policing as a viable career path, noting that the uniform symbolizes service, dignity, honour, and responsibility.

Inspector General Egbetokun highlighted the transformation of women’s roles in the police over the past seven decades. From being restricted to clerical and welfare duties when they were first admitted in 1955, women are now actively involved in operational, tactical, investigative, and leadership positions, including peacekeeping missions and specialized units.

Assistant Inspector General Aishatu Abubakar Baju celebrated the versatility of Nigerian policewomen, noting their impact in intelligence, forensics, crisis management, juvenile protection, community development, and sports. She described them as women who have consistently demonstrated courage and emotional intelligence.

Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, encouraged serving officers to push boundaries and uphold professionalism, stressing that resilience and integrity remain essential to national security.

In her keynote address, Shante Knowles, the first female commissioner of police in the Bahamas, congratulated Nigeria on the 70-year milestone. Reflecting on her journey from joining the Royal Bahamas Police Force at age 15 to eventually becoming commissioner, she encouraged Nigerian policewomen to keep breaking barriers and shaping the future of policing.