The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has commissioned the Lagos State Police Command Band, describing the initiative as a significant milestone in the institutional development of the Command and a reflection of leadership focused on sustainable growth.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the IGP noted that progress in institutional leadership is often achieved through deliberate and impactful decisions that strengthen structure, reinforce identity, and address long-standing gaps. He said the establishment of the band corrected a notable omission, as the Lagos State Command, despite its scale and responsibilities, had operated for decades without a command-based band.
According to him, the newly inaugurated band is purpose-built to handle the Command’s ceremonial, official, and representational functions, marking the first time since the Command’s establishment that it would operate such a unit independently.
Egbetokun praised the Nigeria Police Band for its longstanding contributions to the Force, noting that its professionalism and musical excellence have enhanced public confidence, reinforced ceremonial dignity, and projected a positive image of the Nigeria Police Force at official and social engagements nationwide.
He emphasized that beyond music, the Police Band represents discipline, unity, and institutional culture, adding that its performances inspire pride among officers and the public while silently communicating the ideals of the Force. He observed that the reputation and standards of the Police Band have continued to attract newly graduated police cadets seeking conversion into the unit.
The IGP stressed that professional policing goes beyond operational activities, noting that strong institutional frameworks are essential for sustaining discipline, cohesion, and pride in service. He explained that the commissioning of the Lagos State Police Command Band should be seen as part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening institutional capacity at the command level.
Commending the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, and the command leadership, Egbetokun said the achievement required administrative clarity, coordination, and commitment to addressing a long-standing institutional need. He linked the commissioning to other recent developmental initiatives within the Command, including the foundation-laying of a Multi-Purpose Hall, describing both projects as investments in enduring institutional assets.
The IGP urged Commissioners of Police across the country to adopt a similar mindset by identifying structural gaps, building capacity deliberately, and prioritising professionalism in all its dimensions.
Addressing members of the newly commissioned band, Egbetokun charged them to uphold exemplary conduct, discipline, and performance, noting that as pioneers, they would shape the standards and reputation of the unit while representing not only the Lagos State Command but the Nigeria Police Force as a whole.
He also acknowledged officers and personnel whose behind-the-scenes efforts contributed to the successful establishment of the band.
The Inspector-General concluded by stating that the strength of a police institution is measured not only by operational outcomes but also by the quality of its structures, embedded standards, and public confidence, before officially commissioning the Lagos State Police Command Band for service to the Nigerian public.
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