Lanre Olagunju
At 96, Dame Stella Obuoforibo Okuyiga has discovered a option to outlive herself. Not by means of science or drugs, however by means of 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 dwelling 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 potential?
In 1955, the primary 20 girls joined the Force at a time when policing provided girls restricted alternatives. They entered unfamiliar territory, confronting obstacles that their male counterparts didn’t must navigate in the identical method. Their dedication, braveness {and professional} dedication helped set up a spot for girls 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 broaden 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 pressure 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 important. Disu intentionally selected the week of the International Day of the Girl Child, noticed on October 11, to have a good time one of many Force’s foremost surviving feminine pioneers.
In his handle, Disu described the event as a celebration of braveness, service and the ladies who helped form the Force. He additionally harassed 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 needed 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 turned 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 shouldn’t erase a police officer’s contribution or render their service invisible.
But recognition should transcend a profitable ceremony.
In his overview 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 advisable it as a useful resource for skilled coaching and public service, together with potential use in secondary faculties.
His overview additionally raised essential questions on gaps within the historic file, significantly the experiences of girls officers between 1960 and 1973. These deserve consideration in future editions. He additional known as for greater nationwide recognition for Mama and the pioneer girls, together with those that have died.
The police shouldn’t relegate these suggestions to the pages of a overview. The Force can start by buying copies for its schools, libraries and coaching establishments, as Disu urged on the launch. Relevant authorities also needs to study the case for formally recognising the pioneers’ contributions.
More importantly, the e book should grow to be a device 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 house, with households instilling values, communities supporting the legislation 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 go their classes to future generations.
The IGP has honoured a dwelling legend. But the true measure of this recognition lies in whether or not the e book is learn, its suggestions applied, and the pioneering girls remembered past ceremonies.
At 96, Mama has entrusted her story to the longer term. Now, the Force should show that it’s going to not overlook the ladies who helped construct it.
Lanre Olagunju writes from Abuja.
