The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, led senior officers, family members, and police veterans in paying glowing tributes to the late former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, during his inaugural memorial lecture.
The event was held at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, serving as a solemn gathering to honor the life, intellect, and institutional reforms championed by the late police chief, who passed away on August 31, 2025.
Speaking at the venue, IGP Disu described his relationship with Arase as an emotional privilege, characterizing him as an exceptional and cerebral officer whose professional brilliance was deeply anchored in his humanity.
“Arase understood that policing is ultimately about people, protecting their lives, respecting their dignity, and building their confidence in the police,” Disu stated.
He noted that Arase’s contributions to police reform, professional development, and institutional strengthening remain an enduring part of the Force’s legacy.
Recalling Arase’s personal attributes, Disu added, “Beyond the accomplishments recorded in official documents, there was Solomon Arase the man, approachable, thoughtful, generous with his knowledge, and genuinely interested in the well-being and advancement of others”.
He emphasized that the memorial lecture was designed not merely to mourn, but to celebrate a life of integrity, intellect, and sacrifice.
The chairman of the occasion and former Inspector-General of Police, IGP Sunday Ehindero (Rtd), also addressed attendees, reflecting on the transient nature of life and the permanence of legacy.
Ehindero urged serving and retired personnel to view Arase’s career as a blueprint for public service, stressing that retirement from active duty should not mean a retirement from contributing to the nation.
In his welcome remarks, DIG Mohammed Yesufu (Rtd), Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Police Veterans Foundation, the organization that organized the inaugural lecture, recalled how Arase had originally envisioned improving the welfare of retired officers.
Yesufu noted that Arase laid the groundwork for the foundation to support veterans before his passing. The event concluded with reflections on national development, security architecture, and a collective commitment from current and retired leadership to keep Arase’s reform-minded ideals alive within the Nigeria Police Force.
