Lagos Police Command Launches Standalone Band, Ends Decades-Long Reliance on Force
“The Lagos State Police Command has launched its first standalone music band, a historic milestone commissioned by IGP Kayode Egbetokun and Lagos State Government, strengthening morale, community relations and ceremonial capacity.”
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The Lagos State Police Command has officially launched its own standalone Music Band, marking a historic milestone and ending decades of dependence on the Police College Ikeja Band for ceremonial and regimental functions.
The band was commissioned at a formal ceremony attended by top government officials, security chiefs and dignitaries, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olorundare Moshood Jimoh. The initiative effectively corrects what many have described as a long-standing institutional gap in one of the country’s most active police commands.
Although the Lagos State Police Command has remained one of the most productive and evolving commands nationwide, it had, since its establishment, relied on the Police College Ikeja Band—founded in 1961 by Major I. Boyle—for music services during parades, ceremonial events, entertainment and official engagements. That reliance officially ended with the unveiling of the Lagos State Police Command Band.
Despite being unable to attend the ceremony in person, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, requested the performance of the iconic Lagos folk song “Eko o gba gbere”, underscoring the cultural significance of the occasion. The band was formally commissioned by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and the Lagos State Government, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin.
In his remarks, IGP Egbetokun described the launch as a major institutional achievement, noting that the event had been rescheduled to enable his personal attendance due to his long-standing passion for the Police Band.
“This is a milestone in the institutional development of the Lagos State Command. For the first time since its establishment, the command now has this essential component. Operating without it for so long was a fundamental omission, and today that omission has been corrected,” the IGP said.
Barr. Salu-Hundeyin, speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Government, emphasized the administration’s strong commitment to security, stressing that economic growth and trade cannot thrive without safety.
“The calibre of state officials present here today reflects the Governor’s support for this initiative. Security remains central to governance, and we deeply appreciate the sacrifices of the Police and other security agencies,” she stated.
The event attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan; Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN; Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose; Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade; AIG Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade; AVM Bashir Rimi Mamman; former Force Secretary, AIG Yetunde Longe (retd); and the Director of Music, Nigeria Police Band, DCP Favour U. Chinonyerem, among others.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Ogunsan highlighted the psychological and social power of music within security institutions, noting its role in reducing stress and improving performance.
“Music has a profound influence on the mind and emotions. You have created an avenue for your officers to manage stress and remain motivated. This will ultimately translate into better results,” he said, while also suggesting that the band be commercialized for public and private engagements.
CP Jimoh, in his address, outlined the strategic benefits of the new band, stating that it would enhance police-community relations, support public order and crowd control, improve morale and discipline, strengthen corporate identity, promote cultural integration in a megacity like Lagos, support community policing initiatives, and align the command with international best practices.
He further disclosed that the band is fully equipped with high-grade, world-class musical instruments designed to deliver high-quality performances and serve as a long-term institutional asset to the Lagos State Police Command.
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