IBB Hails Mike Okiro as Symbol of Unity, Religious Tolerance in Niger
Former IGP Bags Traditional Title After Donating Mosque to Police Secondary School Minna
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
Former Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has described former Inspector-General of Police and ex-Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mike Mbama Okiro, as a symbol of national unity and religious tolerance following the commissioning of a renovated Juma’at Mosque at Police Secondary School Minna.
The mosque project, executed through the Sir Mike Okiro Foundation, included the renovation and completion of the worship centre alongside the construction of an ablution facility for Muslim students and staff of the institution.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Minna, Okiro said the intervention was inspired by his conviction that religion should unite Nigerians rather than divide them.
According to him, the absence of a decent worship centre for Muslim students and staff compelled him to act, stressing that people of different faiths ultimately serve the same God.
He noted that faith must be reflected through compassion, service to humanity and peaceful coexistence, adding that no student should feel marginalized because of religious belief.
Okiro described the mosque as a symbol of inclusion, tolerance and national unity, while urging Nigerians, particularly students, to embrace mutual respect and harmony irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.
The former police boss further recalled that he had earlier built and donated a Catholic chaplaincy within the same school as part of efforts aimed at strengthening interfaith understanding and moral values among students.
Shortly after the commissioning, Okiro and members of his entourage paid a courtesy visit to Babangida at his Hilltop residence in Minna, where the former military president commended him for sustaining peace-building initiatives even after leaving public office.
Babangida described Okiro as a patriotic Nigerian whose commitment to peace, security and national integration remained exemplary across ethnic and religious divides.
Also speaking, the Umar Farouk Bahago praised Okiro for demonstrating uncommon leadership and commitment to humanity through actions that promote religious harmony and national cohesion.
In recognition of his contributions to peace-building, religious tolerance and national development, the Emir formally conferred on Okiro the revered traditional title of Sarkin-Haske of Niger State.
The Inspector-General of Police, represented by the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, described Okiro as a respected statesman and father figure whose legacy continues to inspire serving and retired police officers.
The Nigeria Police Force representative commended Okiro’s enduring contributions to peace, leadership and national service.
In his remarks, Maurice Magaji called on Nigerians to promote tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence regardless of religious or ethnic background.
The Commandant of Police Secondary School Minna, Haruna Ibrahim, appreciated Okiro for the intervention, describing the mosque project as a practical demonstration of compassion, leadership and faith in action.
The colourful event featured inspection of guards, cultural displays, symbolic robing by the Emir of Minna, goodwill messages from dignitaries and special appearances by members of the Northern Youths and Elders Awareness Forum in support of the Mike Okiro Foundation.
