Lanre Olagunju
At 96, Dame Stella Obuoforibo Okuyiga has discovered a technique to outlive herself. Not by science or drugs, however by her e-book.
At the launch of The Origin of Police Women in Nigeria: The Story of the Pioneer Women Officers and My Journey within the Nigeria Police Force, the retired Deputy Commissioner of Police expressed pleasure on the considered her e-book residing on in libraries the world over. Even when she is gone, she hopes her story will proceed to talk.
On October 13, in Port Harcourt, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu joined her in preserving that history. His presence as chief launcher was greater than a gesture of respect. It was a chance for the Nigeria Police Force to confront a elementary query: how nicely does an establishment keep in mind those that made its progress attainable?
In 1955, the primary 20 girls joined the Force at a time when policing supplied girls restricted alternatives. They entered unfamiliar territory, confronting obstacles that their male counterparts didn’t should navigate in the identical manner. Their dedication, braveness {and professional} dedication helped set up a spot for ladies in an establishment that had but to totally recognise their potential.
Dame Stella was amongst these trailblazers. Her profession spanned operational duties, management and the administration of justice, serving to develop girls’s place within the Force. Today, girls serve in investigations, intelligence, tactical operations and strategic management, however that progress rests on the braveness of those that got here first.
A police power that forgets its pioneers dangers mistaking hard-won progress for one thing that occurred by likelihood.
This is what made the e-book’s launch timing significantly vital. Disu intentionally selected the week of the International Day of the Girl Child, noticed on October 11, to rejoice one of many Force’s foremost surviving feminine pioneers.
In his deal with, Disu described the event as a celebration of braveness, service and the ladies who helped form the Force. He additionally confused that skilled development should relaxation on benefit, competence and dedication.
When Disu was Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, he met Mama, who already had a e-book she wished to replace and launch. Whenever he requested when the launch would happen, she would smile and inform him she would launch it when her son grew to become Inspector-General of Police.
She stated “when”, not “if”.
Years later, Disu returned to maintain that appointment. Beyond the non-public bond, the gesture carried an institutional message: retirement mustn’t erase a police officer’s contribution or render their service invisible.
But recognition should transcend a profitable ceremony.
In his assessment of the e-book, Setechi Eli, a senior lecturer at Rivers State University, argued that Mama’s account ought to function greater than a historic memoir. He beneficial it as a useful resource for skilled coaching and public service, together with attainable use in secondary faculties.
His assessment additionally raised essential questions on gaps within the historic document, significantly the experiences of ladies officers between 1960 and 1973. These deserve consideration in future editions. He additional referred to as for greater nationwide recognition for Mama and the pioneer girls, together with those that have died.
The police mustn’t relegate these suggestions to the pages of a assessment. The Force can start by buying copies for its schools, libraries and coaching establishments, as Disu urged on the launch. Relevant authorities must also look at the case for formally recognising the pioneers’ contributions.
More importantly, the e-book should change into a software for institutional studying.
Mama’s story champions benefit over prejudice, self-discipline with empathy and steady studying, all important to skilled policing and public belief. Disu additionally highlighted her perception that nationwide safety begins at residence, with households instilling values, communities supporting the regulation and the police working with each.
The e-book’s significance extends past police history. It reminds us that establishments should protect the sacrifices of their pioneers and move their classes to future generations.
The IGP has honoured a residing legend. But the true measure of this recognition lies in whether or not the e-book is learn, its suggestions carried out, and the pioneering girls remembered past ceremonies.
At 96, Mama has entrusted her story to the long run. Now, the Force should show that it’ll not overlook the ladies who helped construct it.
Lanre Olagunju writes from Abuja.
