GOOD THINGS HAVE COME FROM OUR JERUSALEM: ADEJOBI CHALLENGES STEREOTYPES ABOUT POLICE FAMILIES

GOOD THINGS HAVE COME FROM OUR JERUSALEM: ADEJOBI CHALLENGES STEREOTYPES ABOUT POLICE FAMILIES

By Temidayo Babalola 

Former Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Omooba Olumuyiwa Adejobi fnipr has challenged the negative stereotypes surrounding children raised in police barracks, insisting that many sons and daughters of police officers have distinguished themselves in public service, politics, business and other professions, TMnews report. 

In his article titled “Good Things Have Come From Our Jerusalem,” Adejobi drew a biblical parallel with Nathanael’s question in John 1:46, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” He argued that the same question could be applied to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), stressing that the achievements of children from police families have clearly disproved the notion that nothing good can emerge from the barracks.

Citing the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno as an example, Adejobi noted that the governor grew up in a police barracks in Lagos, where his father served as a police officer. He also highlighted the professional journey of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, who was born at Pedro Police Barracks, Shomolu, Lagos State, on March 2, 1968. Adejobi further mentioned the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mohammed Sheidu among prominent individuals with police family backgrounds.

According to him, the discipline, resilience, education and sense of community cultivated in police families have helped many children overcome challenges and achieve success. He maintained that the shortcomings of a few individuals should not be used to define the entire police community, adding that police children continue to contribute meaningfully to national development and international society.

Adejobi also commended the Police Officers' Wives Association (POWA) for its welfare, educational, healthcare and empowerment initiatives under the leadership of its National President, Chief Mrs Olufunmilola Mutiat Disu. He noted that programmes such as healthcare outreaches, scholarships, vocational training, micro-investment support and digital skills development provide valuable opportunities for police families, particularly children and vulnerable households.

The article further highlighted the importance of personnel welfare under Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu psc+ including efforts to improve accommodation and living conditions in police barracks. Adejobi also underscored the role of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund in supporting training, infrastructure, healthcare, housing and other welfare interventions, arguing that improved conditions for officers and their families are essential to building a motivated and professional police force.

He called for sustained investment in police education, decent accommodation, healthcare and family empowerment, stressing that children should not be judged by their parents' profession or the environment in which they were raised. He urged Nigerians to recognise the achievements of police families and support initiatives that enable their children to realise their full potential.

Adejobi concluded that the success stories of police children provide compelling evidence that the barracks can nurture responsible citizens and accomplished professionals, insisting that the time has come to discard outdated perceptions and celebrate the positive contributions of Nigeria's police families.