The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity.
Ojajuni made the commitment on Sunday while joining Catholic faithful and senior police officers at St. Martin’s Police Catholic Church in Ogun State to mark three major events in the development of the church community.
The ceremony was attended by the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo, who presided over the religious ceremonies. Senior police officers, including ACP Gloria Otonko, ACP X Squad, and other members of the command, also attended the event.
A major highlight was the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation to 65 candidates by Bishop Odetoyinbo. The ceremony brought together the candidates, their families, Catholic faithful and members of the police community in an atmosphere of worship and thanksgiving.
The bishop also blessed the newly constructed Grotto of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, established to provide a dedicated space for prayer, devotion and spiritual reflection for members of the Catholic community.
The occasion also featured the foundation laying and blessing of the Catholic Chaplains’ House. The facility is expected to provide accommodation for Catholic chaplains and support their pastoral responsibilities within the police community.
Ojajuni congratulated the 65 candidates on receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation and commended the Catholic community for its commitment to faith, discipline, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity.
The commissioner said religious tolerance and mutual respect remained essential to peace and security, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity should be a source of strength rather than division. He assured citizens that the police would continue to protect the rights of Nigerians to practise their faiths freely within the law.
Ojajuni urged religious leaders and their followers to promote love, unity, understanding and peaceful coexistence while rejecting extremism, intolerance and ideologies capable of threatening national peace. He also commended the Catholic Chaplain, CSP Rev. Fr. Paul Omotosho, for his dedication to the spiritual welfare of police personnel and the Catholic faithful.
He said spiritual guidance could contribute significantly to moral discipline, integrity and responsible conduct among police personnel, adding that stronger collaboration among religious communities remained vital to building a peaceful and united Nigeria.