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LASG Boosts Capacity of over 350 Quality Assurance Evaluators for Effective School Monitoring, Compliance

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LASG Boosts Capacity of over 350 Quality Assurance Evaluators for Effective School Monitoring, Compliance

As schools across Lagos State prepare to reopen for a new academic session, the State Government through the Office of Education Quality Assurance, OEQA has enhanced the capacity of its Quality Assurance officials to ensure effective monitoring and compliance with educational standards.

Addressing over 350 evaluators from the OEQA on Monday in Lagos during the Flag Off Ceremony of the four-day training workshop for Evaluators, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, emphasized the need for professionalism in carrying out their duties.

Alli- Balogun charged the officers to be firm, objective, yet courteous in their dealings with school owners and administrators, stressing that they should be regarded as progressive partners who must be guided to conform with the educational standards of the State.

He urged the officials to combine firmness with friendliness in order to sustain the confidence of stakeholders whilst ensuring that the interest of pupils and students remains paramount.

Speaking on the importance of the workshop, Mr. Alli-Balogun expressed confidence that with enhanced training and operational support, Evaluators would be better positioned to detect gaps, enforce compliance, and promote excellence across schools.

Alli- Balogun reiterated government’s commitment to raising the bar of education in Lagos State, assuring parents and guardians that adequate measures are in place to guarantee a safe, conducive, and quality-driven learning environment for children as the new session begins.

The Coordinating Director of OEQA, Mr. Remi Abdul, whilst addressing the evaluators, emphasized the importance of professionalism and integrity as key drivers of effective quality assurance operations.

On the expectation of government, Abdul said the theme of the workshop, “Strengthening Professionalism and Integrity for Effective Quality Assurance Operations,” was strategically chosen to underscore the importance of integrity in carrying out evaluation exercises.

Abdul described the training as a vital platform for continuous capacity development, noting that it has become a hallmark of the agency’s commitment to excellence and the improvement of educational standards across the State.

According to him, professionalism and integrity remain the foundation of OEQA’s credibility and effectiveness. “Our responsibility goes beyond compliance checks. It is about modelling excellence, upholding standards, and reinforcing the confidence of stakeholders in the Lagos State education system,” he said.

Shettima, Ugwuoke, Cardoso, Edun Call for Homegrown Risk Solutions at 24th CRMI International Conference

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Shettima, Ugwuoke, Cardoso, Edun Call for Homegrown Risk Solutions at 24th CRMI International Conference
L-R: Registrar/CEO, Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI), Victor Olannye; Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Finance, Raymond Omachi; Executive Director/Chief Risk Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc and President/Chairman of Council, CRMI, Kevin Ugwuoke; Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro; and Director, Risk Management, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Blaise Ijebor; at the CRMI 24th Annual International Conference in Lagos recently.

Vice President, Kashim Shettima has urged African institutions and governments to back indigenous efforts to tackle rising global risks, emphasizing that the continent must take control of its risk landscape through home-grown solutions.

Speaking at the 24th International Conference of the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) in Lagos, Shettima who was represented by Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion called on the African Union (AU), African Development Bank (AfDB), and Afreximbank to support CRMI’s initiatives to confront threats including climate change, cybersecurity, pandemics, terrorism, and disruptive technologies.

“For over two decades, the Institute has been a beacon of foresight, resilience, and preparedness,” Shettima said. “Risk management is not just a profession, it is a discipline of national importance.”

The Vice President highlighted the establishment of the Federation of African Risk Management Associations (FARMA) as a pivotal moment in Africa’s journey to address global threats on its own terms.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to risk mitigation, citing initiatives like the #SheIsIncluded programme launched in January 2025 to boost women’s participation in the economy, and called for stronger early warning systems and financial safety nets for farmers and rural communities.

The conference, themed “Global Risks, Local Solutions,” brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and risk professionals to explore local strategies for tackling complex global threats.

In his keynote address, CRMI President and Governing Council Chairman, Kelvin Ugwuoke, stressed the urgency of designing African-led responses to emerging risks, including those stemming from climate change, AI, food insecurity, and international conflicts.

“We are witnessing risks driven by climate change, cyber threats, Artificial Intelligence, and geopolitical conflicts such as the Russia–Ukraine war, which have direct consequences on food security and economic stability,” Ugwuoke said. “Our mandate is clear: to develop home-grown solutions that help Nigeria and Africa withstand and prosper amid global uncertainties.”

Ugwuoke, who also serves as Executive Director, Risk Management at Fidelity Bank Plc, revealed that a bill is currently before the National Assembly seeking to integrate risk management more deeply into national policy frameworks.

Also speaking at the event, Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Olayemi Cardoso, who was represented by Dr. Blaise Ijebor, Director of Risk Management at the CBN, commended CRMI’s leadership in fostering a culture of risk awareness in Nigeria’s financial sector.

“Global risks do not respect borders. Our reforms are designed to integrate risk awareness into financial planning, ensuring economic stability amid evolving uncertainties,” Ijebor said.

Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, who was represented by Permanent Secretary Raymond Omachi, emphasized the government’s recent policy reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate unification as necessary steps to strengthen resilience.

“Risk management is not about predicting the future, but preparing for it,” Omachi noted. “The future will not be defined by the storms we face, but by the solutions we craft together.”

The conference reinforced Nigeria’s growing leadership in risk management, while positioning CRMI as a central platform for innovation and policy advocacy in the field.

About CRMI

The Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) is the national professional body for risk management in Nigeria. Established by Act No. 39 of 2022 and originally founded in 2000, CRMI promotes excellence through its Chartered Risk Manager (CRM) certification, continuing education programs, and industry-wide advocacy. The Institute plays a key role in shaping resilient, risk-aware practices across both public and private sectors in Nigeria and beyond.

Lagos Police Commissioner Restores Order on 3rd Mainland Bridge After Protest

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Lagos Police Commissioner Restores Order on 3rd Mainland Bridge After Protest

Normalcy has returned to the 3rd Mainland Bridge after a protest by Oworo residents earlier today brought traffic to a standstill, prompting swift intervention by the Lagos State Police Command.

The demonstration, sparked by recent demolitions in the Oworo area, saw protesters blocking a key section of the bridge near the Iyana Oworo Bus Stop, severely disrupting movement from Lagos Island to the Mainland.

Commuters were stranded for hours, with reports indicating that even individuals in need of urgent medical attention were caught in the traffic gridlock.

In response, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, personally led a rapid deployment of Mobile Police Force units, Tactical Units, and Police Mobile Force (PMF) officers to the scene.

CP Jimoh engaged directly with the protesters in an attempt to de-escalate the situation peacefully and understand their grievances. However, despite his intervention, the demonstrators refused to vacate the bridge, leading to heightened concerns over public safety and the growing impact on innocent commuters.

Following failed negotiations and in a bid to prevent further disruption and potential violence, the Commissioner ordered the application of minimal force. Barricades were dismantled, the crowd was dispersed, and the free flow of traffic was restored all without any casualties reported.

He reaffirmed the Lagos State Police Command’s commitment to maintaining peace and order while urging residents to express their concerns through lawful and peaceful means.

“The Command remains neutral and is dedicated to protecting the rights of all citizens,” said the Commissioner.

Blacktalker reports that authorities are continuing to monitor the situation to prevent any further unrest.

CAPPA Commends FG Health Tax Policy, Renews Call for Higher Sugary Drinks Excise Duty

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CAPPA Condemns Police Crackdown on Lagos Demolition Protest

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA has commended the Federal Government’s decision to develop a draft policy that will earmark revenues from excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and sugar-sweetened beverages, SSBs for health financing.

It described the initiative as a decisive opportunity for the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to leave a legacy of sustainable funding for Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system and to protect the health of Nigerian citizens.

Speaking at a recent national health-financing dialogue in Abuja, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, said the Federal Government is finalising a draft policy to channel excise-tax revenues from alcohol, tobacco, and sugary drinks into health financing.

According to him, the policy will soon be submitted to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

Responding to the disclosure in a statement on Monday, CAPPA referenced local and World Health Organisation (WHO) reports showing that Nigeria is reeling from grossly inadequate public health financing and grappling with the double burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), fuelled by the excessive consumption of sugar-laden beverages, salt, tobacco and alcohol by citizens.

These diseases, it added, were responsible for nearly 30 per cent of all deaths in the country, making the situation a public health emergency.

By initiating the draft policy, the FG has demonstrated commitment towards tackling the upsurge of NCDs in the country, CAPPA said.

It urged the government to take comprehensive action, not only by earmarking SIN Taxes but also by adopting the recommendations of the WHO and CAPPA to make the taxes effective. This would involve benchmarking them on rates high enough to reduce consumption, encourage product reformulation, and ultimately ease the country’s health burden.

The WHO had recently advised Nigeria and other member states to raise the prices of sugary drinks, alcohol, and tobacco by 50 percent through taxation over the next decade, as a means of curbing NCDs.

The organisation expressed confidence that such measures would cut consumption of these harmful products, which contribute to illnesses such as diabetes and cancer, while also generating critical revenue for public health.

The call was part of its “3 by 35 Initiative,” a global effort, which, according to the WHO, comes at a time when health systems are under immense strain from rising NCDs, shrinking development aid, and mounting public debt.

NCDs, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, account for over 75 percent of all deaths worldwide, and, according to the WHO, a one-time 50 percent price increase on these products could prevent 50 million premature deaths over the next 50 years.

Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, applauded the Tax Reforms Committee’s courage and vision in drafting the policy but cautioned that unless the health taxes are raised to an effective threshold, the policy will not achieve its intended goal.

“We commend the government for proposing to earmark the revenues from SIN tax to public health, as long advocated by WHO, CAPPA and other pro-public health civil society organisations in Nigeria.

However, we must emphasise that in the case of sugary drinks, the impact of this draft policy will only be maximised if Nigeria significantly raises SSB tax from the current N10 per litre to at least N130 per litre, adjustable to inflation.

“CAPPA has consistently recommended, based on available evidence and in-depth research, that the current N10 per litre excise duty introduced under the 2021 Finance Act is grossly inadequate. At N10, the tax represents only about N3.33 on a N300, 50cl bottle, less than 1 percent of the retail price. Such a token measure cannot meaningfully discourage excessive consumption or generate substantial revenue,” Oluwafemi stated

He added: “By contrast, an increase to a minimum of N130 per litre would generate up to N729 billion annually, according to expert analysis by the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA). This revenue could offset the estimated N493.3 billion Nigeria currently spends each year treating SSB-related diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.

“It would help curb the rising prevalence of NCDs, which already account for nearly 30 percent of deaths nationwide and threaten to overwhelm health facilities. It would also encourage product reformulation, pushing beverage manufacturers to reduce sugar content and, in turn, promote healthier diets.”

Furthermore, the NGO advised the government to expand and strengthen tobacco and alcohol taxes, ensuring rates are sufficiently high to discourage harmful consumption.

Governor Soludo Inaugurates APGA Gubernatorial Campaign Council for November Re-election

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Governor Soludo Inaugurates APGA Gubernatorial Campaign Council for November Re-election

Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has inaugurated the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA gubernatorial campaign council ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

The ceremony, attended by top APGA officials and political stakeholders, saw the appointment of Professor Osita Chukwudobelu as Director-General of the campaign council.

At the event, which was well attended by top political office holders in the state, among other dignitaries, Governor Soludo outlined the campaign structure, establishing three key officers for each local government area: a chairman, co-chairman, and secretary.

He announced plans for continued project inspections and direct voter engagement throughout the state, emphasising that work must continue beyond the election. “It is not about me as an individual but Anambra and Ndi Anambra,” Soludo stressed, positioning his candidacy as essential for continued state development.

The governor reinforced the state’s political zoning arrangement, insisting that Anambra South must complete its eight-year tenure before power shifts to Anambra Central, then Anambra North. “No one should disrupt the zoning formula in Anambra,” Soludo declared. “I can only hand over to a proper, full Anambra Central person, not someone married to an Anambra Central person.”

In a critique of his opponents, Soludo said some politicians lack basic qualifications, so how would a person without a school certificate be a governor of Anambra State, where the likes of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Chuba Okadigbo, hail from. He said one also parades a fake doctorate degree.

He described last year’s challenges to party unity as unsuccessful attempts by “unknown people” to cause confusion. He maintained that despite previous crises within APGA, the party had always emerged victorious, noting that the party had never been as united as it currently stands.

The governor defended recent appointments, including Professor Kate Omenugha as Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, calling her “the best” choice for the position.

In his remark, Professor Chukwudobelu emphasised the council’s mission, stating they should take the message to every part of the state to ensure Soludo is re-elected. He also urged the council members to campaign not just for the governor’s person, but his message and vision.

Also, APGA National Chairman, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, praised Soludo’s transformative leadership, noting that “anything that receives the Soludo touch becomes positively different.” He expressed confidence that the November election would be a “walkover” based on statistics from the recent Anambra South senatorial by-election.

Legislative support for the governor’s re-election bid was confirmed by Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze, who assured that “the house is solidly behind him.” He emphasised that the election concerns “what the people really want” and praised Soludo for changing the state’s narrative since 1999, adding that the House of Assembly is not a “rubber stamp” but focuses on what benefits the citizens.

Similarly, Honourable Pascal Agbodike, Member representing Ihiala Federal Constituency, described the re-election as already “decided,” calling the campaign council inauguration a formality to “fulfil all righteousness.” He confirmed that all eleven House of Representatives members from the state support Soludo’s candidacy, whether through open campaigning or behind-the-scenes activities.

The APGA BOT Member, Chief Ifeyinwa Obegolu, delivered a rousing endorsement of the governor, asserting that “Soludo has no competition because he is working on all fronts.” She insisted that nothing substantial existed before Soludo’s administration, recounting his achievements across health, education, infrastructure, and other sectors whilst urging beneficiaries of various programmes to reciprocate with their votes.

Former Anambra State governor, Dame Virgy Etiaba, lent her support to Soludo’s continued leadership, stating that “everyone has agreed that APGA must continue because of Soludo’s performance.” Her endorsement was reinforced by former Deputy Governor, Sibudu, who, speaking as the Ohaneze Secretary General, argued that any southern governor performing well, regardless of party affiliation, deserves Ohaneze support. He positioned Soludo as precisely such a leader worthy of backing.

LASU Responds to Admission Allegations, Blames Controversy on Oversubscription

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The management of Lagos State University, LASU has responded to mounting public concern and social media allegations regarding the ongoing 2025/2026 admission exercise, attributing the controversy to the overwhelming number of applications received this year.

In a statement released by the institution’s Centre for Information and Public Relations, the University said it has observed “numerous social media posts and comments” alleging admission racketeering and unfair selection practices.

While asserting that the institution owes no individual applicant an explanation for admission decisions, LASU said it felt compelled to address what it described as a “troubling and potentially misleading narrative.”

According to official data, LASU was the most subscribed university in Nigeria in the 2025 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), recording over 70,000 applicants. With limited capacity, the University noted that fewer than 20% of applicants could be admitted, meaning that even qualified candidates would, unfortunately, be turned away.

The University reiterated that its admission policy is guided by a combination of merit and state indigeneity, in accordance with Lagos State University Law 2004. This includes a 70:30 ratio in favour of Lagos State indigenes, after an initial merit list based purely on performance.

“The University has offered admission to candidates of all origins who achieved the highest scores in each course (merit admission), as well as all qualified, cleared, and verified indigenes of Lagos State (supplementary and discretionary admission),” the statement said.

In response to allegations of admission racketeering, LASU strongly denied that admission could be bought, stressing that the power to admit students rests solely with the Vice-Chancellor.

“No member of staff has the authority or capacity to offer admission in exchange for money,” the University said, warning that individuals making such claims are “preying on desperation.”

Blacktalker reported that the management also encouraged anyone with verifiable evidence of corrupt practices to report them via the official admissions complaint email: complaints.admissions@lasu.edu.ng. The University assured that all credible allegations will be thoroughly investigated and those found guilty will face disciplinary action.

Concluding, LASU described the current controversy as a consequence of its growing popularity and academic reputation.

“We are, indeed, victims of our own success,” the statement noted. “But success also demands responsibility on the part of the University to uphold transparency and merit, and on the part of applicants and the public to resist the temptation of misinformation.”

FIRSTBANK LAUNCHES FIRSTMONIE MERCHANT SOLUTION TO ADVANCE DIGITAL PAYMENTS ACROSS NIGERIA

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FirstBank has officially launched its FirstMonie Merchant Solution, an innovative platform designed to enable merchants and businesses across Nigeria to seamlessly accept digital payments with efficiency and ease.

The FirstMonie Merchant Solution responds to the increasing need for dependable digital payment systems by offering a streamlined and automated onboarding process, an integrated referral system, and customizable features such as Pay with Transfer and Purchase.

Additional capabilities include instant settlement, concession management with flexible and competitive pricing, automatic terminal registration, and a comprehensive suite of products spanning all pricing tiers.

The solution comes equipped with pre-configured, ready-to-use POS terminals, as well as a network dashboard offering real-time monitoring, dispute resolution, and complaint management.

These functionalities contribute significantly to improving the merchant experience by enhancing liquidity, accuracy, and operational control, while effectively minimizing chargebacks.

Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, E-Business and Retail Products at FirstBank, remarked on the launch: “FirstMonie Merchant Solution is set to transform digital payments in Nigeria. With its advanced features and seamless onboarding, we are empowering businesses of all sizes and locations to thrive in the digital economy.”

He further emphasized that the FirstMonie Merchant Solution will enhance operational efficiency within Nigeria’s payments industry. “This is not merely a product introduction; we are simplifying payment processes and providing merchants with improved transparency, control, and speed for daily transactions. At FirstBank, our commitment remains steadfast in building financial ecosystems that offer value, convenience, and trust to all stakeholders.”

Both new and existing FirstBank account holders can access the FirstMonie Merchant Solution through a straightforward online registration at www.firstbanknigeria.com/getyourpos.

Leveraging FirstBank’s established technological infrastructure, the FirstMonie Merchant Solution demonstrates the Bank’s dedication to fostering growth and financial inclusion by delivering scalable, reliable, and user-friendly digital solutions tailored to the evolving needs of Nigerian enterprises.

Beyond enabling seamless digital payments, the FirstMonie Merchant Wallet Solution reinforces FirstBank’s commitment to the safety and security of merchant funds, a critical assurance that many Fintech alternatives do not provide.

With a heritage spanning 131 years, FirstBank continues to drive innovation in African banking. The introduction of the FirstMonie Merchant Solution reaffirms the Bank’s leadership in digital banking and underscores its mission to broaden access to financial services nationwide.

Supported by a network of over 300,000 FirstMonie agents, FirstBank maintains its position at the forefront of accessible and innovative financial solutions for individuals and businesses throughout Nigeria.

About FirstBank

First Bank of Nigeria Limited “FirstBank”, established in 1894, is the premier bank in West Africa, a leading financial inclusion services provider in Africa, and a digital banking giant. 

FirstBank’s international footprints cut across three continents ─ Africa, Europe and Asia, with FirstBank UK Limited in London and Paris; FirstBank in The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea and Sierra Leone; FBNBank in Senegal; and a FirstBank Representative Office in Beijing, China. All the subsidiary banks are fully registered by their respective Central Banks to provide full banking services.

LASG TO GATHER OVER 500 GLOBAL EXPERTS FOR MAIDEN WATERFRONT SUMMIT

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Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to organise the first Waterfront Infrastructure Development Summit as part of concerted efforts to protect the water bodies, promote sustainable use of the waterways and preserve its huge socio-economic potentials to the benefit of the State.

Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Dayo Bush Alebiosu, made this known while briefing the press on the summit with the theme: ”Pressure on the Lagoon
; The Lagos Experience”, at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja on Thursday.

Alebiosu stated that the inaugural summit is a groundbreaking event poised to redefine the future of urban waterfronts globally and mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of waterfront development, offering unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.

His words: “As cities worldwide continue to expand and evolve, the importance of well-planned and sustainably managed waterfronts has never been more critical. Waterfronts are not only vital economic hubs but also essential in enhancing the quality of life for urban residents. The Waterfront Infrastructure Development Summit aims to harness the collective expertise of its participants to drive forward-thinking solutions that balance economic development with environmental stewardship.”

According to him, key highlights of the summit that will be graced by over 500 international experts include global perspectives on best practices in waterfront development, showcasing successful projects and innovative strategies, sustainable development focusing on practices that ensure waterfront projects contribute positively to both the economy and the environment.

It will also show technological innovations by exploring cutting-edge technologies and smart infrastructure solutions that can be integrated into waterfront development projects, investment opportunities.

The Commissioner noted that the summit will serve as a platform for stakeholders to explore potential partnerships, investments, and collaborative projects, while promoting community engagement by laying emphasis on the importance of engaging local communities in waterfront development to ensure projects meet their needs and aspirations.

“The summit is a call to action, as the event will converge all stakeholders involved in waterfront development, bringing together government officials, private sector leaders, urban planners, and community representatives, to catalyze a new wave of collaborative and sustainable waterfront projects that can serve as models for cities around the world,” he said.

While describing the Lagos Lagoon as under intense pressure from both human-driven and climate‐related factors, Alebiosu also enjoined stakeholders to rally round and support the State Government towards reducing the pressure on the lagoons.

The Waterfront Infrastructure Development Summit will hold on Thursday, 11th September, 2025 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos starting at 9am.

IGP Appoints CSP Benjamin Hundeyin as New Force Public Relations Officer

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IGP Appoints CSP Benjamin Hundeyin as New Force Public Relations Officer

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has appointed Chief Superintendent of Police,CSP Benjamin Hundeyin as the new Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO.

CSP Hundeyin brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served in various strategic public relations and administrative positions within the Nigeria Police Force. Until his new appointment, he was the Police Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Police Command.

An alumnus of Lagos State University, CSP Hundeyin holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and a Master’s degree in Legal Criminology and Security Psychology from the University of Ibadan. His professional development includes a Certificate in Civil-Military Coordination from the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Training Centre, Jaji, Kaduna State.

He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM).

CSP Hundeyin’s international experience includes serving as part of the Nigerian contingent to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur, Sudan (UNAMID) in 2020. He has also worked as the Police Public Relations Officer at Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, and as Administration Officer at the Force Public Relations Department at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The Inspector-General has tasked CSP Hundeyin with strengthening the Police Force’s public communications and fostering stronger relations between the police and the public.

He can be contacted via telephone at 0706 260 6717 or by email at benjamin@hundeyin.com.

IGP Launches Gateway Shield App, Enhances Tech-Driven Policing in Ogun State

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Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has unveiled Gateway Shield, a digital safety and intelligence platform designed to give Ogun State residents swift and direct access to police services, especially in emergencies where reaching a station may be difficult.

Speaking at the launch, the IGP described the platform as “a practical expression of our resolve to make security accessible, responsive, and people-centred,” stressing that it is more than just an app but “a lifeline” that leverages smart technology to bridge the gap between citizens and the police.

The application, available on the Play Store under Gatewayshield, via the web at www.thegatewayshield.com, and through the toll-free emergency line 08000009111, connects users to bilingual agents at the Ogun State Police Digital Centre.

From there, complaints are swiftly processed and directed to the nearest police unit for response.

Features of the platform include real-time incident reporting, safety trend tracking, and timely intervention across a wide range of issues, from property disputes and traffic violations to emergencies and violent crimes.

The system is supported by a solar-powered, 24/7 command center staffed with trained IT officers.

The Gateway Shield initiative builds on the IGP’s ongoing investments in the Ogun State Police Command.

Earlier this year, he deployed Armoured Personnel Carriers to boost operational readiness, following the commissioning of a modern state headquarters in 2024 where he pledged to transform the Command into a smart policing hub.

With the introduction of Gateway Shield, Ogun State now serves as a model for citizen-focused security innovation, reinforcing trust and partnership between the police and the public.