Arase Memoral Lecture: Disu elogises late IGP, says contributions to policing beyond years in service

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, Monday, elogised former Inspectors-General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase (retd.), stating that his contributions to policing extended well beyond years in service.

He stayed this while paying tribute to late IGP Arase, Monday, at a public lecture organised to mark the one-year remembrance of the late Police chief,  who passed away on August 31, 2025.

IGP Disu described the late Arase as a man who understood that policing is, at its core, about  protecting people’s lives, respecting their dignity, and building public confidence in the police.

He noted that the late IGP’s contributions to policing extended well beyond his years in service, describing him as a leader distinguished by service, intellect, integrity, humanity and sacrifice, whose legacy will continue to endure.

The lecture with the theme: ‘Policing, Good Governance, and National Development: The Strategic Role of Police Veterans in Building a Secure Nigeria,’ featured guest speakers drawn from retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force and close associates of the late IGP Arase (retd.), including Professor Etannibi Alemika.

A press statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Anietie Iniedu, daid the event was attended by former Inspectors-General of Police, IGP Sunday Ehindero (retd.) and IGP Mohammed Abubakar (retd.), alongside other notable dignitaries, including the representative of the Governor of Akwa Ibom state; AIG Yemi Ogunyemilusi (retd.); the chairman, Board of Trustees, Police Veterans’ Foundation, DIG Mohammed Yesufu (retd.); the National President, Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Olufunmilola Disu; widow of the late IGP, Mrs Agharese Arase; past Presidents of POWA; the representative of the Chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC); AIG Tunde Mobayo (retd.), the representative of the Director, Veterans Affairs, Defence Headquarters, C.A. Baushe; and members of the Force Management Team, alongside other senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), serving and retired.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Police Veterans’ Foundation, DIG Mohammed Yesufu (retd.), described the late IGP as an exceptional leader whose founding and chairmanship of the Foundation reflected his enduring commitment to the welfare of retired police officers.

He called for the establishment of a Veterans Affairs Department within the Nigeria Police Force to further advance the Foundation’s mandate and ensure that retired officers continue to benefit from relevant Federal Government programmes and support, in keeping with the legacy of the late IGP Arase.

In the same vein, the National President, Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), Chief Disu, commended the late Veteran’s selfless service, citing in particular his unwavering scholarship support for children of fallen officers and his efforts to address the socio-economic challenges faced by retired personnel.

She described him as an embodiment of peace, sacrifice, and professionalism under the most trying circumstances.

The FPRO further stated that the  event drew wide participation from retired police officers and associates of the late IGP, with discussions centered on good governance, leadership, and the continual growth of the Foundation.

He said participants appealed for the Police Veterans’ Foundation to be developed into a lasting, lifelong institution. The event concluded with the presentation of awards to beneficiaries, including Mrs Agharese Arase.

“The NPF remains resolute in its commitment to honoring its officers, particularly veterans who have served the nation with distinction, and reaffirms its dedication to strengthening ties between active and retired personnel of the Force,” CSP Iniedu added.