By John Dike, Osogbo
The Orangun of Oke-Ila Orangun, Osun State, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, has charged newly graduated officers of the Police Mobile Training College, Ila Orangun, to combine professionalism and courage with compassion, integrity and respect for human dignity in the discharge of their duties.
He gave the charge while delivering a goodwill message at the graduation ceremony of the officers, where he spoke on the theme, “Policing and Humanity.”
Oba Abolarin stressed that effective policing goes beyond the use of arms, uniforms and official authority, noting that police powers must always be exercised with conscience and compassion.
According to him, the responsibility of police officers extends beyond enforcing laws to protecting the dignity, rights and lives of the people they are trained to serve.
He acknowledged the difficult security environment in Nigeria, which he said had made policing increasingly challenging, but maintained that officers who approached their responsibilities with humanity could make a significant contribution to a safer and more peaceful society.
The traditional ruler said, “True policing is not just about arms and authority, but about heart and humanity. The badge must be guided by conscience and power must be tempered with compassion.”
Oba Abolarin disclosed that he had hosted the graduating Mobile Police officers in Oke-Ila Orangun a day before the graduation ceremony, describing the engagement as part of his long-standing tradition of receiving and interacting with Mobile Police personnel undergoing training at Ila Orangun.
He said the reception provided an opportunity for the officers to interact with him informally, share a meal and discuss issues relating to public service, professionalism, personal development and the dignity of Nigerians.
The monarch said he was particularly touched during the graduation ceremony when some of the graduating officers made reference to their encounters with him during their training and at the reception in Oke-Ila Orangun.
He noted that their comments demonstrated how seemingly simple gestures, personal interactions and words of counsel could leave lasting impressions on young officers preparing to commence active service.
Oba Abolarin expressed appreciation for the opportunity to contribute, however modestly, to the development of a more humane, professional and people-oriented police force.
He congratulated the graduating officers and urged them to approach their assignments with courage, discipline, integrity and empathy.
The monarch also wished the officers safe and successful careers in the service of the nation, stressing that a police force that combines professionalism with humanity would be better positioned to earn public trust and contribute to a safer Nigeria.
