By Fatima Saka
Twenty-four retired detectives of the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, have received N6 million worth of Dangote Refinery and Petroleum shares in recognition of their 35 years of service to the nation.
The donation, made by the Chief Executive Officer of Konstrutum Construction, Abayomi Awoboku, is aimed at appreciating the officers’ sacrifices and providing them with an investment opportunity after retirement.
Awoboku, who attended the retirees’ send-forth ceremony in September, also engaged a professional investment firm to manage the shares and ensure optimal returns for the beneficiaries.
The gesture followed the historic visit of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu, to SCID, where he celebrated the retired detectives and reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to their welfare beyond active service.
In a video explaining the donation, Awoboku said the gesture was intended to recognise the officers’ dedication and sacrifices while encouraging serving personnel to remain committed to national service.
Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, expressed profound gratitude to the donor for his generosity and support for the retired personnel.
In an appreciation letter to Awoboku on behalf of Tijani and the beneficiaries, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID, DCP Dayo Akinbisehin, described the donation as a remarkable demonstration of goodwill, corporate responsibility and institutional solidarity.
Akinbisehin said the contribution provided meaningful support for the successful retirement reception organised in honour of the veteran officers.
The retirement ceremony, held at SCID, Yaba, brought together senior police officers, dignitaries, colleagues and family members to celebrate the 24 personnel who had completed 35 years of service.
Addressing the retirees, Disu congratulated them on their successful careers, assuring them that retirement would not end their relationship with the police institution.
He described them as police officers for life and pledged that the NPF would continue to support their welfare after leaving active service.
“Congratulations to all of you for successfully completing 35 years of service. This is not the end of everything.
“We will continue to support you, even after service. We appreciate all you did for your fatherland,” the I-G said.
The event also featured tributes to the retirees for their contributions to the investigation of complex and sensitive cases, which strengthened SCID’s position as a major investigative arm of the Lagos State Police Command.
The Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu, attended as the royal father of the day alongside his White Cap Chiefs.
Speakers also acknowledged the sacrifices of the officers’ spouses and families, who endured prolonged absences, missed celebrations and other personal challenges throughout the officers’ years of service.
One of the retirees, DSP Benson Emuerhi, who served in the Prosecution Department, described his 35-year career as challenging but fulfilling, recalling that his decision to join the police was driven by his desire to serve humanity.
He said his interventions in minor disputes helped prevent some disagreements from escalating into serious conflicts.
Emuerhi, however, lamented that police officers were not adequately appreciated despite the demands of their profession, noting that their responsibilities often extended beyond regular working hours.
“Police work is different. There is no Saturday or Sunday when it comes to protecting lives and property,” he said.
Another retiree, DSP Rita Momah, stressed the need for continuous training, professionalism and respect for human dignity in modern policing.
She urged serving officers to adopt a human face in their dealings with suspects, victims and members of the public, emphasising that respect for human dignity should remain central to police operations.
The retirement send-forth initiative, now in its third edition, has become an established SCID Panti tradition since Akinbisehin assumed leadership of the department.
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The initiative was approved by Tijani in line with Disu’s policy direction of prioritising the welfare of serving and retired police officers.
The N6 million share donation has further highlighted the role of private-sector support in recognising public servants whose decades of commitment and sacrifices have contributed to the protection of lives and property.
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