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By Paul Williams
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has said the achievements of women in the Nigeria Police Force show that competence, leadership and dedication are not defined by gender.
Disu spoke on Tuesday at the launch of ‘The Origin of Police Women in Nigeria: The Story of the Pioneer Women Officers and My Journey in the Nigeria Police Force (1955–1996),’ authored by 96-year-old Stella Okuyiga, a retired deputy commissioner of police and one of the first 20 women to join the force in 1955.
The Inspector-General of Police, who served as chief launcher at the event in Port Harcourt, said women officers had moved beyond administrative and traffic duties into criminal investigation, intelligence, tactical operations, specialist policing and strategic management.
He said, “Today, women officers have moved beyond administrative and traffic duties into criminal investigation, intelligence, tactical operations, specialist policing and strategic management. They lead commands and direct operations, proving that competence, leadership and dedication are not defined by gender.”
Disu described the book launch as a celebration of courage, service and the pioneering efforts of women who helped shape the Nigeria Police Force. He said the event coincided with the International Week of the Girl Child, underscoring the need to ensure that gender did not limit the ambitions of girls.
He recalled that when women were first admitted into the force in 1955, their roles and opportunities were limited. He said the pioneer officers demonstrated competence, determination and resilience, opening doors for later generations.
Disu described Okuyiga as a member of a distinguished generation that entered uncharted territory and established a place for women in an institution where their opportunities were once limited.
“Mama, your service represents not merely a personal career but a significant chapter in the history of our force,” he said.
The inspector-general also said Okuyiga’s remarks on parental responsibility carried an important message for national security. He said policing alone could not guarantee a safe nation, adding that homes, communities and the police must work together to instil discipline and support the law.
Stella Okuyiga described the launch as a significant milestone in her life. She said the publication would preserve her experiences and ensure that her legacy endured through libraries around the world.
She said the police force had undergone significant changes since she joined in 1955, noting that population growth had created new policing challenges. Okuyiga also commended Disu for encouraging female officers to pursue education, skills and career advancement.
Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, said the book documented the courage, sacrifices and achievements of women who contributed to the development of the force.
He said their stories deserved to be preserved and passed on to future generations, adding that the contributions of women to policing showed that professionalism, discipline and commitment to public service transcended gender.
Fubara urged young women to draw inspiration from the pioneer officers and pursue leadership roles in law enforcement and other areas of national development.
Ibrahim Gaidam, Minister of Police Affairs, represented by a director in the ministry, said the publication would preserve the history of women in policing, honour their contributions and inspire young girls to serve the country with pride.
Aishatu Abubakar, assistant inspector-general of police and force gender adviser to Disu, delivered a lecture on the evolution of women in policing and national security.
The book was reviewed by Setechi Okechukwu Eli.
