Chief Barr. David Igbodo (AIG Rtd) Speaks on Service, Sacrifice and Community Development
In a time when public service is often measured by loud declarations and endless self-promotion, some individuals prefer to let their works speak quietly for them. One of such personalities is Chief Barr. David Igbodo, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, legal practitioner, philanthropist, and President General of the Otolokpo Development Union (ODU).
Responding to growing public curiosity over his contributions to Otolokpo community, Chief Igbodo has opened up on what he described as a lifelong commitment to service, empowerment, and development—achievements he says were made possible only by the grace of God.
From Humble Beginnings to National Prominence
Chief Igbodo recalled leaving Otolokpo in 1983 at the age of 22 with very little to his name—a short knicker, white canvas shoes, and a white polo shirt—to join the Nigeria Police Force in Benin without support from anyone.
According to him, he was later sent to the Police College, Ikeja, where he underwent six months of rigorous training as a recruit constable. After serving in Ovwian Aladja, he made the bold decision to pursue higher education, a journey that eventually saw him rise to one of the highest ranks in the Nigeria Police Force before retiring as an Assistant Inspector General of Police.
Today, he is a practicing lawyer and President of the Triple Justice Foundation, a non-governmental organization focused on justice delivery.
Employer of Labour, Builder of Lives
Beyond his distinguished public service career, Chief Igbodo said he currently employs over 70 persons across his hospitality businesses and legal practice, paying more than six million naira monthly in salaries.
Notably, he stated that several sons and daughters of Otolokpo are among those benefiting from these employment opportunities.
Opening Doors for Otolokpo Sons and Daughters
One of the most significant aspects of his legacy, according to him, has been helping young people secure employment opportunities.
Beginning from 1991 while still in active service, he said he assisted over 20 Otolokpo indigenes to gain entry into the Nigeria Police Force.
Among them, he noted, is CSP Dike Moses, who rose to the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police, while others attained ranks such as Superintendent of Police (SP) and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
He further disclosed that he facilitated jobs for community members in several key institutions, including:
- The FCT Judiciary
- National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)
- Ministry of Interior
- NITEL
- Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
- Ministry of Health
- Other Ministries, Departments and Agencies
By his estimate, over 30 Otolokpo sons and daughters have gained employment through his intervention over the years.
Chief Igbodo also revealed that he is currently working to assist fresh applicants seeking recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force and Delta State medical services.
Driving Infrastructure Without Political Office
Despite never holding political office or operating as a contractor, the retired police chief said he played a major role in influencing the construction of the NDDC 1.3-kilometre Umuhu Road.
Today, the road remains a vital access route benefiting residents and visitors to Umuhu village and the wider Otolokpo community.
Leadership as President General
Since assuming office as President General of ODU in December 2023, Chief Igbodo said he has focused on rebuilding institutions and promoting community welfare despite long-standing internal crises.
Under his leadership, notable achievements include:
- Renovation initiatives for the Otolokpo Town Hall
- Upgrading of the Otolokpo Market
- Free medical outreach programmes for elderly residents for three consecutive Decembers
- Sustaining the Otolokpo Carnival, helping to project the community positively
- Bush clearing and environmental sanitation along the Umunede–Otolokpo–Ute Road, personally funded multiple times over two years
He acknowledged that Otolokpo has experienced different forms of crisis for more than two decades but expressed confidence that peace, unity, and progress would soon return.
Empowering the Youths
Chief Igbodo emphasized that youth inclusion became one of his earliest priorities after taking office.
He said one of his first pronouncements as President General was the need for Otolokpo youths to organize themselves into a formal youth wing capable of participating meaningfully in development.
Though communication gaps initially slowed progress, he expressed optimism that the structure would soon become fully operational.
Massive Financial Support for Businesses
The community leader also spoke of regular financial assistance to young entrepreneurs and struggling residents.
He disclosed that in October 2025, he supported one Otolokpo youth with about eight million naira to expand his business—not as a loan, but as direct support.
He added that just recently, he gave another youth the sum of 1.5 million naira to strengthen business operations.
According to him, many indigenes have direct access to his telephone number and often reach out for assistance in solving business, travel, and personal challenges.
Investing in Education
Chief Igbodo said he has sponsored several Otolokpo sons and daughters through university education over the years.
Currently, he noted, two children from Alugba and Okete communities are on his scholarship scheme.
Free Water for Residents
In another humanitarian gesture, he disclosed that a borehole at his Otolokpo residence provides free water to residents.
Even during power outages, he said he personally bears the cost of fueling generators to keep the water flowing—while others charge for water supply.
“Service, Not Noise”
Reflecting on his journey, Chief Igbodo stressed that his interventions were never designed for applause or political gain.
According to him, many of those criticizing today may not have been born when he began helping the community.
He maintained that his mission has always been to serve, uplift, and support the people quietly.
Fresh Facts Magazine Verdict
Chief Barr. David Igbodo’s story is one of resilience, rise, and responsibility. From a young man who left home with almost nothing to a retired AIG, lawyer, philanthropist, and community leader, his life underscores the power of persistence and purposeful service.
Whether through jobs, scholarships, infrastructure, business grants, youth empowerment, or free water supply, his footprint in Otolokpo appears substantial.
As Otolokpo continues its search for unity and development, voices like his may remain central to shaping the future of the community.
