IGP Disu Highlights Parental Responsibility As 96 Year Old Retired Police Woman Launches Origin Of Police Women In Nigeria

By: Awajis Josiah-Chijindu 

Yesterday in Port Harcourt, the spotlight shone brightly on a ninety-six-year-old pioneer.

Dame Stella O. Okuyiga, DCP, a retired policewoman from the Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, was among the historic first twenty women to be recruited into the Nigeria Police Force in 1955.

Her new book, "Origin of Police Women in Nigeria," drew the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, alongside captains of industry, senior police officers, government officials, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association, FIDA, and the media to the Rivers State capital for the official launch.

Speaking at the event, IGP Disu said the author had highlighted an important truth that every police officer must recognise: parental responsibility plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Nigeria, while adult delinquency contributes to many of the country's security challenges.

He stressed that policing alone could not guarantee a safe nation, adding that security required homes that instilled discipline and values in children, communities that supported the law, and a police force that worked closely with both.

The IGP described the book launch as more than a literary event, saying it was a celebration of courage, service and the remarkable women whose pioneering efforts helped shape the Nigeria Police Force.

He noted that the event was particularly significant as it coincided with the International Week of the Girl Child, which, according to him, underscored the need to ensure that gender did not limit the ambitions of girls.

IGP Disu recalled that when women were first admitted into the Nigeria Police Force in 1955, their roles and opportunities were limited by the realities of the time.

He said the pioneer female officers demonstrated competence, determination and resilience, thereby opening doors for subsequent generations of women in the force.

“Today, women officers have moved beyond administrative and traffic duties into criminal investigation, intelligence, tactical operations, specialist policing and strategic management. They lead commands and direct operations, proving that competence, leadership and dedication are not defined by gender,” he said.

The IGP described Okuyiga, who was among the first 20 women to join the Nigeria Police Force in 1955, as a member of a distinguished generation that ventured into uncharted territory and established a place for women in an institution where their opportunities were once limited.

“Mama, your service represents not merely a personal career but a significant chapter in the history of our force,” Disu said.

In her remarks, Dame Okuyiga, popularly known as Mama, described the book launch as a significant milestone in her life, expressing delight that her experiences would be preserved for future generations.

She said the publication would ensure that her legacy lived on, as the book would be available in libraries around the world for people to read and learn from her experiences.

Reflecting on her years in the police force, the retired deputy commissioner said the institution had undergone significant changes since she joined in 1955, noting that population growth had brought new challenges to policing.

She also commended IGP Disu for encouraging women to pursue professional development and advancement in the force.

According to her, the present police leadership has demonstrated interest in ensuring that female officers acquire the necessary education, skills and opportunities to advance their careers.

In his remarks, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo S. A. Wokoma, said the book was more than a historical account, as it documented the courage, sacrifices and achievements of the pioneering women who contributed to the development of the Nigeria Police Force.

He said their stories deserved to be preserved, celebrated and passed on to future generations.

The governor added that the contributions of women to policing demonstrated that professionalism, discipline, courage and commitment to public service transcended gender.

He urged younger generations, particularly young women, to draw inspiration from the experiences of the pioneer officers and pursue leadership roles in law enforcement and other areas of national development.

The Rivers State governor also commended Dame Okuyiga for her determination to document the history of women in the Police Force at the age of 96.

The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, represented by a director in the ministry, said the publication would preserve the history of women in policing, honour their contributions and inspire young girls to serve the country with pride.

Also speaking, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police and force Gender advisor to IGP Disu,AIG Aishatu Abubakar, delivered a lecture on the evolution of women in policing and national security.

The book was reviewed by Dr Setechi Okechukwu Eli.