The immediate past inspector general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, says three prayers—wisdom, grace, and God’s timing—shaped his leadership after assuming office in 2023.

Mr Egbetokun disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja during a retirement thanksgiving service held in his honour at the Force Headquarters Chapel. The event also featured the inauguration of the Nigeria Police Force Chaplaincy edifice, attended by senior officers and worshippers.

Mr Egbetokun said his first prayers in office were for wisdom to lead, grace to finish well, and divine guidance not to remain beyond God’s time.

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

“My first prayer was for wisdom to run the office, the second for grace to end well, and the third not to stay a day longer than God permits.

“I believe God has answered those prayers, and my prayer for everyone here is that God answers whatever you ask of him.”

Reflecting on his career, Mr Egbetokun said his journey in the police had been shaped by faith since graduating from the Nigeria Police Academy.

“My entire life is filled with testimonies I cannot possibly capture in a book,” he said.

He revealed that before joining the police, he once dreamt of serving as a deputy inspector general rather than the nation’s police chief.

“In the dream I saw myself in a police staff car with the registration number NPF02, so I believed I would become a DIG,” he said.

Mr Egbetokun said the experience taught him that God sometimes conceals greater plans from individuals.

The former IGP, whom President Bola Tinubu asked to step down, added that his passion for the police guided his conduct throughout his career.

The former IGP said, “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.”

In his remarks, the force chaplain, Joshua Omoyele, commended Mr Egbetokun for completing the police chaplaincy building project during his tenure.

Mr Omoyele said the former IGP had long demonstrated commitment to Christian service even before his appointment.

He noted that Mr Egbetokun’s record as Kwara commissioner of police and later as assistant inspector-general in Zone 7 testified to his dedication.

Mr Omoyele also credited him with initiating the Nigeria Police Force’s annual Christmas carol and expanding its national visibility.

(NAN)