By Seun Ibiyemi
The on Thursday commissioned the Lagos State Police Command Band, describing the development as a significant step in strengthening the institutional structure, identity and professionalism of the Command.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Egbetokun said progress in institutional leadership is often driven by deliberate and well-considered decisions rather than dramatic reforms, noting that the establishment of the band corrected a long-standing structural gap within the Lagos State Command.
He explained that, for the first time since its creation, the Lagos State Police Command now has a purpose-built band to handle its ceremonial, official and representational duties, instead of relying on the Force Headquarters Band.
“The Nigeria Police Band has remained a source of pride to the Force over the years, projecting professionalism, discipline and unity at official and social engagements,” the IGP said.
“Its contribution goes beyond music, as it reinforces public confidence, enhances ceremonial dignity and strengthens the image of the Police.”
According to him, the Police Band also plays an intangible but powerful role in inspiring officers and the public, communicating values such as discipline, cohesion and national purpose without words.
Egbetokun noted that the reputation and standards of the Police Band have made it attractive to newly graduated police cadets, many of whom seek conversion into the unit because of its discipline, structure and professionalism.
He said it was a notable omission that a Command as large and strategically important as Lagos had operated for many years without its own band, describing the commissioning as a correction of that institutional shortfall.
The IGP stressed that the initiative should be seen as part of a broader approach to Command development, adding that effective policing is reinforced by strong institutional frameworks that promote pride, cohesion and professionalism, not just operational activities.
He commended the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, and the Command leadership for the initiative and administrative commitment that led to the establishment of the band, noting that it required coordination, follow-through and a willingness to address a long-standing need.
Egbetokun also referenced recent institutional projects within the Lagos State Command, including the foundation-laying ceremony of its Multi-Purpose Hall, saying both developments reflected leadership focused on building enduring assets rather than temporary solutions.
He urged Commissioners of Police across the country to adopt a similar mindset by identifying structural gaps, building capacity deliberately and strengthening institutional identity at the Command level.
Addressing members of the newly commissioned band, the IGP charged them to uphold high standards of discipline, conduct and performance, noting that they would serve as ambassadors of both the Lagos State Command and the Nigeria Police Force.
“The strength of a police institution is measured not only by operational outcomes, but by the quality of the structures it maintains, the standards it embeds and the confidence it commands,” he said.
He then formally commissioned the Lagos State Police Command Band for official use in the service of the Nigerian public.