August 07, (THEWILL) – “Synergy is better than my way or your way. It’s our way,” Stephen Covey
When he was appointed as acting Inspector General of Police on June 19, 2023, I knew that IGP Kayode Egbetokun had come to uphold the objectives of Nigeria’s police, which are the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders, the preservation of law and order, the protection of life and property, and the due enforcement of all laws and regulations with which they are directly charged and shall perform such military duties within or without.
To achieve the above, synergy must come to mind. Synergy is the key to transforming the security architecture of this nation. The word synergy comes from the Greek sin-ergo, meaning to work together. It describes a mutually supportive atmosphere of trust, where each individual element works towards its own goals, and where the goals may be quite varied; nevertheless, because all elements of a synergetic system support one another, they also support the whole.
Teamwork creates a synergy that amplifies individual efforts. When team members collaborate, they bring diverse perspectives, skills, and knowledge to the table. This combination allows them to tackle complex problems, generate innovative ideas, and find creative solutions that may not have been possible individually.
No wonder that on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, he paid a courtesy visit to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in Abuja to consolidate the gains recorded so far in the internal security architecture of the country.
At the meeting, IGP Egbetokun promised to ensure national security stability and growth via inter-agency diplomacy and an all-inclusive safety mechanism. The NSA also expressed pleasure at the improvement the acting IGP has made towards sanitising and repositioning the policing system in Nigeria.
He said that the IGP put the right foot forward from inception and urged the Ag. IGP prioritises improved synergy with other security agencies in order to achieve the goal of the present administration. The NSA pledged his full support for the attainment of better policing and enhanced security for all and sundry in the country.
On July 17, 2023, the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, PhD, was at the Force Headquarters to synergize with the Nigeria Police. Also on July 24, the IGP received the NBA President and other members in Abuja. Many topical issues and NBA conference matters were discussed. IGP Egbetokun will continue to synergize with all sectors to achieve his goals.
Also, on Thursday, August 3, 2023, IGP Egbetokun received the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as part of strengthening security for all in Nigeria. The meeting served as a platform for both agencies to seek ways to strengthen cooperation across all areas of their respective operations, especially border control.
The discussion focused on areas such as joint training programs, improved investigation techniques, and the establishment of a mutual working relationship for the betterment of the nation’s internal security.
On the same day, IGP Egbetokun meets with the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Solomon Arase (rtd). The meeting focused on crucial issues aimed at enhancing the mutual relationship between the Police Force and the commission. During the meeting, both leaders engaged in productive discussions concerning the improvement of policing services and administration in the country.
The IG and the PSC Chairman emphasised the importance of cooperation and coordination to ensure the effective delivery of law enforcement services and uphold the principles of justice and safety for all citizens.
Thursday, August 4, 2023, seems to be a synergy day for IGP Egbetokun, as he also meets with the Heads of Security of Banks and Financial institutions in Nigeria at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. IGP Egbetokun appreciated the Committee’s visit and expressed deep gratitude for the cordial and good working relationship existing between the Nigeria Police Force and the Committee. He further implored the Committee to continue to cooperate with the personnel of the Force in ensuring the security and safety of Banks and other financial institutions across the country.
The leader of the delegation emphasised the need for the Committee to sustain a cordial relationship with all the Zonal Assistant Inspector General of Police, Command Commissioners, and Divisional Police Officers with a view to enhancing their efficiency at securing their banks and
other financial institutions that are part of the Committee.
Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mapped out a proactive and intelligence-driven security approach to addressing the nation’s security threats. He assured Nigerians that his administration will mobilise the totality of the country’s national security, military, and law enforcement assets to protect all Nigerians from danger and the fear of danger.
“We will expand and improve upon the use of technology, enhance the recruitment of personnel, and bolster existing agencies and systems to achieve this fundamental national security goal,” the plan boasts.
President Tinubu’s focus on security collaboration is outstanding. Collaboration is crucial; no wonder IGP Egbetokun has been carrying out a proactive and intelligence-driven security synergy in order to achieve the fundamental national security goal of this administration. In the coming days and weeks, I see the IGP expanding its synergy with the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Synergy is the highest activity of life; it creates new, untapped alternatives; it values and exploits the mental, emotional, and psychological differences between people. I commend IGP Egbetokun and see a society that is free from crime where Nigerians can sleep with their two eyes closed soonest.
I will end this piece with the words of Stephen Covey: “Synergy is the highest activity of life; it creates new untapped alternatives; it values and exploits the mental, emotional, and psychological differences between people.”
Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters and can be reached via 08166240846,
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