Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has paid tribute to the late former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon E. Arase, describing him as an exceptional officer, cerebral leader, mentor and professional whose contributions to policing would continue to inspire generations.
Disu spoke on Monday at the inaugural memorial lecture organised in honour of Arase at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja.
The IGP said Arase’s contributions to police reform, professional development and institutional strengthening remained part of his enduring legacy.
According to Disu, the late police chief combined intellectual brilliance with humanity and understood that effective policing was ultimately about protecting lives, respecting human dignity and building public confidence in the police.
He said: “IGP Arase was an exceptional Police officer. He was cerebral, intellectually curious and deeply committed to professionalism. Yet, what made him particularly remarkable was that his brilliance was never detached from humanity.”
Disu, who described Arase as a mentor, counsellor, gentleman and friend, said his personal relationship with the late police chief gave him the opportunity to experience his warmth, wisdom and humanity beyond the rank he occupied.
“For me personally, speaking about IGP Arase is not merely an official responsibility. It is an emotional privilege. I had the opportunity to know him closely, to learn from him, to engage with him and, above all, to experience first-hand the warmth, wisdom and humanity that defined the man behind the rank,” he said.
The IGP said Arase’s death represented a profound loss to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation, adding that those who knew him personally had also lost a man whose presence enriched their lives.
He, however, urged Nigerians and members of the police family to use the memorial lecture not only to mourn the late police chief but to celebrate his life of service, integrity, intellect and sacrifice.
“Today, however, we are not gathered merely to mourn his passing. We are gathered to celebrate a life of service, intellect, integrity, humanity and sacrifice, and to ensure that the values for which he stood continue to inspire generations of Police officers,” Disu said.
The IGP commended the Police Veterans Foundation for organising the inaugural memorial lecture, describing it as an opportunity to preserve Arase’s memory while promoting discussions on the future of policing in Nigeria.
Disu said the greatest tribute to the late police chief would be for serving officers to uphold the principles that guided his career rather than merely celebrate his achievements.
He also appreciated Arase’s family, friends, colleagues and associates for preserving and celebrating his legacy.
“Dear IGP Arase Sir, your voice may have fallen silent, but your ideas, your example and your impact continue to speak,” Disu said.
He prayed for the continued repose of Arase’s soul and called for the values he represented to remain a source of inspiration within the Nigeria Police Force.
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