An Officer and a Gentleman

“The Street Hawker believes that life is about inspirations; we get inspired by other people’s successes, and we learn from their experiences too. Amaechi, in my view is an extreme gentleman, he is here today”

 – Toyin Oke

Amaechi Elumelu is married with three boys. He was born in Ibadan where he did nursery and primary schools, then went to Christ School, Ado Ekiti, and University of Ilorin, where he studied Economics. He did National Youth service Corp (NYSC) at Owerri, but because he liked to wear the uniform, he towed his fathers’ line and joined the Police force in 1988.

Police force

He does not know any other life outside the police force.

A Gentleman

He thinks the force is actually about being a gentleman.

At Work

Amaechi’s tools at executing his job are God’s Grace and prayer, especially at his last job working with the Late First Lady of The Federation. Everyday was challenging and unique. He had to apply caution, honesty, and a lot of patience at executing his duties.

Personal Skill: Patience

Patience plays a very big role especially in managing women. It was a skill he had to develop, especially at his last assignment, which involved many women and different individuals, falling over themselves, trying to out-do the other to get to the principal. He had to be observant, patient, and calm.

In overcoming the challenges that came with the job…

 He did not see challenges anymore, but took every day as it came.

Challenges

Amaechi, however developed some health challenges after his assignment, which mostly were as a result accumulated stress

Back to work now

He is back at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

His colleagues and bosses have been very co-operative through the health challenges.

Best day

The day he came out of coma after six weeks. He had to learn to walk all over again. His experience has not been very pleasant, not the type that he would wish other people to go through.

Thoughts

Amaechi believes that Nigeria will get better.