By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
It was a jubilation galore at Ilobi/Erinja communities in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State on Saturday, as kinsmen of the Ag. Inspector General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD trooped out in large numbers to honour and accord him a rousing welcome to his home town.
The event was witnessed by dignitaries from all walks of life including the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Dr Kehinde Olugbenle, and other obas.
Member of the House of Representatives, Hon Isaq Akinlade, including the Head of Service of Ogun State, Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, were not left out of the colourful and glamorous occasion, which had in attendance senior police officers, chairman PCRC, Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan and friends and well wishers.
The IGP was accompanied by his wife and POWA President, Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun, and other family members. Also on his entourage were the Deputy Inspector General of Police Southwest, DIG Abiodun Alabi, AIG Zone 2 Command AIG Ali Mohammed Ari amongst others.
In exhibition of their excitement, the residents of the communities both young and old took to the road leading to the communities to await the arrival of their son, who is the first ever Inspector General of Police (IGP) to have emerge from the community and the state.
Also recognised at the event was the Head of Service of Ogun State, Mr Kolawole Fagboun, who is an indigene of the same community.
Speaking at the grand reception, Egbetokun expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception and reflected on the significance of returning to his hometown.
The IGP noted that the homecoming, filled him with great joy as it allowed him to reconnect with the roots that have shaped his life.
He highlighted the enduring values of love, unity, and togetherness that the Yewa land and its communities, including Ilobi and Erinja, have always cherished, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the bonds of unity, saying they are the bedrock of their strength and resilience as a people.
While addressing the evolving security challenges facing their communities, the IGP stressed the need for vigilance and security consciousness. He urged collaboration with the Police and other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of the people, emphasizing the role they all play in building safer communities that protect lives and property.
Similarly, he urged the youths to discourage violence and social vices that undermine communal peace and security, calling on them to channel their energy toward productive endeavors that uplift society, recognizing their role as the future leaders of their land.
The Inspector-General while expressing pride in the achievements of Yewa indigenes who have excelled globally, encouraged them to consider returning home to contribute to the development of their homeland, emphasizing the untapped potential for the betterment of their communities.
He also acknowledged the governor, revered traditional rulers and elders as custodians of traditions and sources of inspiration for the younger generation, urging them to continue guiding and mentoring the youth to preserve their rich heritage and moral values.
