Goodwill has continued to trail the retirement of 24 detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, Lagos, following a remarkable gesture by Abayomi Awoboku, Chief Executive Officer of Konstrutum Construction, who purchased millions of naira worth of Dangote Refinery and Petroleum shares for the retired officers.

The businessman, who was among the dignitaries invited to the retirement reception, also engaged a professional investment firm to manage the shares on behalf of the beneficiaries and ensure optimal returns on their investments.

The gesture followed the recent historic visit of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, to the department and his attendance at the retirement ceremony held a few months ago.

In a video, Awoboku said the gesture was intended to appreciate the retired police officers for their years of dedicated service and encourage serving personnel and the Nigeria Police Force to remain committed to their duty to the nation.

Reacting to the gesture, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Fatai Tijani, expressed profound gratitude to the donor.

Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the department, DCP Dayo Akinbisehin, paid glowing tributes to IGP Disu and CP Tijani for their leadership and support, which he said had contributed to the progress of the department and the welfare of its retired officers.

In an appreciation letter addressed to the donor on behalf of CP Tijani and the beneficiaries, DCP Akinbisehin wrote:

“May I, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Fatai Tijani, as well as the recently retired officers of this department, convey our profound appreciation for your benevolence and invaluable support towards the successful retirement reception organised in honour of our veteran officers.

“Your generous contribution constituted a remarkable demonstration of corporate responsibility, institutional solidarity and enduring goodwill towards the Nigeria Police Force.

“The occasion was further elevated by the physical presence of our Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, psc, NPM.”

The retirement ceremony, held at the SCID headquarters in Panti, Yaba, was particularly significant as it brought together senior police officers, dignitaries and colleagues to celebrate 24 officers who had completed 35 years of service to the nation.

Speaking at the event, IGP Disu appreciated the retirees for their years of sacrifice and reassured them of the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force beyond their active service.

Congratulating the officers, Disu said their retirement marked the completion of an important chapter in their careers but did not signal the end of their relationship with the Force.

“Congratulations to all of you for successfully completing thirty-five years of service in the Nigeria Police Force. 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 IGP said.

In a further reassurance that resonated with the retirees, Disu declared that their identity and connection with the Force would remain for life.

“You are still police officers. For life, you are police officers. And we’ll continue to take care of your welfare. I wish you the best anywhere you go. Thank you so much,” he said.

The retired officers were described as men and women whose 35 years of service represented hundreds of thousands of hours of commitment to public safety and the protection of lives and property.

Their careers were characterised by night shifts, work in heavy rain and duty on public holidays, often at the expense of time spent with their families.

The gathering, which drew eminent personalities from different walks of life, featured the Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu, as the royal father of the day, alongside his White Cap Chiefs.

Guests acknowledged the significant contributions of the officers to the investigation of complex and sensitive cases handled by the SCID, reaffirming the department’s position as a leading investigative unit of the Lagos State Police Command.

Members of the public also paid tribute to the spouses of some of the retirees who accompanied them to the event, alongside their children and other family members. They were recognised for the sacrifices they made throughout the officers’ careers, particularly the long nights, missed celebrations and prolonged absences occasioned by the demands of police work.

One of the retirees, DSP Benson Emuerhi, described his 35-year career as challenging but fulfilling, explaining that his decision to join the Force was primarily motivated by a desire to serve humanity.

Emuerhi, who served in the Prosecution Department, recalled intervening in disputes involving minor cases that could otherwise have escalated into more serious conflicts.

He said such experiences reinforced his commitment to public service but expressed concern that police officers were not adequately appreciated despite the enormous sacrifices associated with their profession.

Highlighting the peculiar demands of policing, he said officers were expected to remain available for duty regardless of weekends, public holidays or personal emergencies.

“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, who also completed approximately 35 years in the Force, emphasised the importance of continuous training, professionalism and respect for human dignity in modern policing.

Momah urged serving officers to adopt a humane approach in their interactions with suspects, victims and members of the public, stressing that the protection of human dignity should remain central to police operations.

The ceremony therefore served not only as a celebration of the retirees’ decades of service but also as an opportunity to reflect on the importance of institutional support, improved welfare and sustained investment in the well-being of police personnel.

The retirement send-off initiative, which is in its third edition, has become an integral part of the Lagos State CID Panti tradition since the deployment of DCP Dayo Akinbisehin as head of the department.

The initiative was approved by CP Fatai Tijani in line with the policy thrust of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, which prioritises the welfare of serving and retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

With Awoboku’s benevolence resulting in a long-term share investment for the retired officers, the gesture has added a significant dimension to the recognition of the veteran detectives. It also stands out as an example of private-sector support for public service veterans and a reminder of the importance of appreciating those who have dedicated their lives to protecting society.