Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity, urging Nigerians to reject extremism and intolerance capable of undermining peace and security.
Ojajuni stated this while joining Catholic faithful, senior police officers and members of the Nigeria Police Force at St. Martin’s Police Catholic Church for ceremonies marking significant milestones in the spiritual development of the Catholic community.
The occasion, presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo, featured the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation to 65 candidates, the blessing of the newly constructed Grotto of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and the foundation-laying and blessing of the Catholic Chaplains’ House.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ojajuni congratulated the 65 candidates who received the Sacrament of Confirmation and commended the Catholic community for its commitment to faith, discipline, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity.
The Commissioner of Police stressed that religious tolerance and mutual respect were essential to maintaining peace in a diverse society such as Nigeria.
He noted that the strength of the country lies in the ability of citizens from different religious and ethnic backgrounds to live together peacefully, assuring that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to protect the rights of citizens to freely practise their respective religions within the law.
Ojajuni urged religious leaders and their followers across denominations to continue promoting love, unity, understanding and peaceful coexistence, while rejecting extremism and other ideologies capable of threatening national peace.
He also highlighted the role of spiritual guidance in promoting moral discipline and responsible conduct among police personnel, noting that a strong moral foundation could contribute to professionalism and integrity in the discharge of police duties.
The CP commended the Catholic Chaplain, CSP Rev. Fr. Paul Omotosho, for his dedication to the spiritual welfare of police personnel and members of the Catholic community.
The newly constructed grotto, he noted, would provide a serene environment for prayer and spiritual reflection, while the Catholic Chaplains’ House would strengthen pastoral activities and support the welfare of Catholic chaplains serving within the Police community.
The ceremony was attended by senior officers, including ACP Gloria Otonko, ACP X-Squad and other members of the Ogun State Command, alongside Catholic faithful and families of the candidates.