By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, has urged Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, warning against extremism and intolerance capable of threatening the peace and unity of the country.
Ojajuni made the call on Sunday, August 9, 2026, when he joined Catholic faithful, senior officers and other members of the Nigeria Police Force at St. Martin’s Police Catholic Church, Ogun State, to commemorate three significant events in the spiritual and institutional development of the Catholic community.
According to a statement by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babasayi, the occasion was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo.
The events included 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 ceremony for the Catholic Chaplains’ House.
The Confirmation ceremony brought together the candidates, their families, Catholic faithful and members of the police community in an atmosphere of faith, thanksgiving and spiritual renewal.
The Bishop also blessed the newly constructed grotto, which was established to provide a serene environment for prayer, devotion and spiritual reflection.
Another major highlight was the foundation-laying and blessing of the Catholic Chaplains’ House, which is expected to provide residential accommodation for Catholic chaplains and further enhance pastoral and spiritual activities within the Police community.
Speaking at the occasion, Ojajuni congratulated the 65 candidates who received the Sacrament of Confirmation and commended the Catholic community for its steadfast commitment to faith, discipline, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity.
The Commissioner stressed the importance of religious tolerance and mutual respect among adherents of different faiths, noting that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and the ability of its citizens to live together peacefully despite religious or ethnic differences.
He said the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to protecting the rights of all citizens to freely practise their respective religions within the ambit of the law.
Ojajuni urged religious leaders and faithful across denominations to continue preaching love, unity, understanding and peaceful coexistence, while encouraging members of various faith communities to reject extremism, intolerance and any ideology capable of undermining the peace and unity of the nation.
The CP also 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.
He noted that spiritual guidance remained important in strengthening moral discipline, integrity and responsible conduct among police personnel.
Among senior officers who attended the event was ACP Gloria Otonko, ACP X-Squad, alongside other senior officers of the Ogun State Police Command.
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