ABEOKUTA — Sixty-five Catholic faithful on Sunday received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Martin’s Police Catholic Church, Ogun State, as the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity.
The Confirmation ceremony, presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo, was one of three major events held at the church to mark significant milestones in the spiritual and institutional development of the Catholic community within the Police.
The occasion was attended by senior police officers, Catholic faithful, families of the candidates and members of the wider Police community, including ACP Gloria Otonko, ACP X-Squad, and other senior officers of the Ogun State Command.
Addressing the gathering, CP Ojajuni congratulated the 65 candidates on receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, describing the milestone as an important step in their spiritual journey.
He also commended the Catholic community for its commitment to faith, discipline, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity, stressing that spiritual values remain important in promoting responsible conduct and a harmonious society.
The Commissioner used the occasion to call for greater religious tolerance and mutual respect among Nigerians, irrespective of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.
According to him, the country’s strength lies in its diversity and in the capacity of its people to live together peacefully despite their differences.
Ojajuni said the Police would continue to protect the rights of citizens to practise their respective religions freely within the ambit of the law, noting that respect for religious freedom is essential to peace and security.
He urged religious leaders and faithful across denominations to make love, unity, understanding and peaceful coexistence central to their messages, while warning against extremism and intolerance.
“Religious tolerance is fundamental to sustainable peace and security,” the Commissioner said, urging Nigerians to reject any ideology capable of undermining the peace and unity of the nation.
He further encouraged members of different faith communities to see their religious diversity as a source of strength rather than division.
Grotto, Chaplains’ House Unveiled
Also during the ceremony, Bishop Odetoyinbo blessed the newly constructed Grotto of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, a sacred facility established to provide a serene environment for prayer, devotion and spiritual reflection.
The Bishop also performed the foundation-laying and blessing ceremony for the Catholic Chaplains’ House, which is expected to provide accommodation for Catholic chaplains and enhance pastoral and spiritual activities among members of the Police community.
CP Ojajuni 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 effective spiritual guidance could contribute to strengthening moral discipline, integrity and responsible conduct among police officers.
The Commissioner said a Police Force whose personnel uphold strong ethical and moral values would be better positioned to discharge its constitutional responsibilities and build public confidence.
The ceremony ended with prayers and thanksgiving, as the Catholic community celebrated the 65 newly confirmed members and the progress recorded in the development of its spiritual facilities.
