Former Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Chinelo Ekejiani, has called for the appointment of the first female Inspector-General of Police (IGP), saying women have proved their competence and dedication in the force.
Speaking at a recent television interview, Ekejiani, who served 32 years in the Nigeria Police Force, said it was long overdue for a woman to occupy the top position after 70 years of police existence in the country.
“It’s time for Nigeria to have a female IG”, she said. “We are not happy about it. 70 years and we’ve never had a female Inspector-General of Police. They think the job is too much for a woman to cope with, but if you can serve as an AIG, a CP or an Area Commander, then you can be IG. The men are there to support you, so why not give us a chance?”
Recalling her early years in the force, Ekejiani said she joined the police “as an adventure” after studying in England. “I joined the police as a cadet ASP after returning from England, where I studied Policies and International Relations. What really made them take me was my height”, she said with a smile. “I enjoyed the police because it gave me the opportunity to travel to other states, learn their cultures and work closely with communities.”
She described her 32-year career as fulfilling, explaining that her service opened doors for women and inspired many to see the police as a respected career path.
“When women first joined the force in 1955, they were seen as drop outs”, she recalled.
“But things have changed. The Police Act 2020 has repealed many discriminatory rules. In those days, you couldn’t join if you were married. That is gone now. I was married, but used my maiden name.”
