First Lady Highlights Role of Women in National Security

By Oluwakemi Kindness

 

Nigeria marked 70 years of female participation in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) on Thursday, with First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, highlighting the critical role of women in strengthening national security.

At the commemorative event themed “70 Years of Courage and Service: Honoring Women in Policing, Inspiring the Future,” Senator Tinubu lauded the Force for upholding justice, equity, and human dignity while promoting gender inclusion.

She praised Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for prioritising gender mainstreaming in recruitment, training, and leadership development.

“As we commemorate this 70-year milestone, we also cast our gaze forward.

The task before us is to build an even stronger foundation for the next generation of women officers,” she said.

The First Lady urged women officers to remain steadfast and serve as role models in their communities.

She also encouraged young women to consider careers in law enforcement, saying the police profession symbolizes service, dignity, and responsibility.

IGP Highlights Women’s Growing Role

IGP Kayode Egbetokun noted that women now serve in tactical, operational, investigative, administrative, and leadership capacities.

He recalled that women who joined the Force in 1955 were initially limited to clerical and welfare duties but have since transformed policing through discipline, courage, and professionalism.

 

“Women have earned their place across every layer of policing. Their contributions reflect the truth that excellence wears many faces,” he said.

Policewomen Applauded for Broad Contributions

AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju praised female officers for their achievements in peacekeeping, intelligence, forensics, tactical duties, sports, community development, and juvenile protection, describing them as courageous and emotionally intelligent professionals.

Calls for Continued Reform and Excellence

Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, urged resilience, integrity, and professionalism as guiding values for modern female officers, encouraging recruits to uphold strong work ethics to reinforce national security.

Delivering the keynote address, Shante Knowles, the first female Commissioner of Police in the Bahamas, congratulated Nigeria on the anniversary and encouraged officers to remain fearless and forward-looking.

She acknowledged the pioneering women of 1955 and urged current officers to “keep breaking barriers, seizing opportunities, and shaping the future of policing.”

The event underscored the evolving role of women in Nigeria’s police service and their growing influence in securing and developing the nation.