By Gabriel Ameh
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has commissioned the Lagos State Police Command Band, describing the initiative as a critical step in strengthening institutional identity, discipline, and professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Lagos, the IGP said meaningful progress in institutional leadership is often achieved through deliberate and enduring decisions rather than dramatic reforms, noting that the establishment of the Command Band corrected a long-standing structural gap in 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, rather than relying on the Force Headquarters Band.
“The Nigeria Police Band has consistently projected the Force positively through musical excellence, discipline, and professionalism at official and social engagements across the country,” Egbetokun said. “Beyond performance, the band symbolizes cohesion, institutional culture, and pride in service.”
According to the IGP, the Police Band also plays an intangible but powerful role in boosting morale and public confidence, communicating discipline, unity, and national purpose without words. He noted that its reputation has become so strong that newly graduated police cadets increasingly seek conversion into the band.
Egbetokun stressed that professional policing is sustained not only through operational effectiveness but also through strong institutional frameworks that reinforce discipline and pride. He described the Lagos Command Band as part of a broader development strategy aimed at building lasting institutional assets.
Commending the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, and the command’s leadership, the IGP praised their initiative, coordination, and commitment in addressing what he described as a long-standing institutional need.
He also referenced other recent infrastructure developments within the command, including the foundation-laying of a Multi-Purpose Hall, noting that such projects demonstrate leadership focused on legacy and sustainability rather than short-term solutions.
The IGP urged Commissioners of Police across the country to take similar initiative by identifying structural gaps within their commands and implementing sustainable solutions to strengthen professionalism and institutional identity.
Addressing members of the newly commissioned Lagos State Police Command Band, Egbetokun charged them to uphold the highest standards of discipline, conduct, and performance, noting that their actions would reflect not only on the Lagos Command but on the Nigeria Police Force as a whole.
“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 officially commissioned the Lagos State Police Command Band for public service, while offering prayers for the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
