The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun today announced the deployment of Adegoke Mustapha Fayoade as the new Commissioner of Police for the Lagos State Command.
Blacktalker reports that the deployment is to take immediate effect.
Until this latest development, CP Adegoke Fayoade was the Commissioner of Police in charge of armament at the Force HQ, Abuja.
He had served in Lagos State Police Command as the DCP in charge of SCID, Panti.
CP Fayoade was one of the 96 top executives who recently completed the training course, bagging the MNI title at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, Jos, Plateau state.
Minister of State, Police Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim hosted the maiden edition of the Citizens Townhall Engagement on Strengthening Policing in Nigeria, yesterday, 11th December 2023 in Lagos with the theme; “Community Policing: Building A Safer Nigeria Together”.
The high-powered meeting which is a major thrust of the Renewed Hope Policing Agenda had in attendance the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Akintunde Yunus Abiodun; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun; AIG in charge of Zone 2 (Lagos and Ogun), AIG Ari Muhammed Ali; acting Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, DCP Waheed Ayilara and the Board Member of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan.
Blacktalker reported that other eminent personalities at the event include the Executive Secretary/CEO of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun; Lagos House of Assembly Majority Leader, Hon. Nojeem Adams; General Manager of Lagos Neighborhood Safety Agency (LNSA), Dr. Ifalade Oyekan; General Manager of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Bakare Oki; representative of the Country Director of UNODC, Jane Kimani; PCRC Chairman in Lagos state, Apostle Kehinde Showemimo; among others.
Emphasizing the importance of community engagement in policing a complex society such as Nigeria, the Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu noted that ‘the concept of community policing is not new to the state. ”But what is prevalent in one region might not be in another so while we think global, we must also think local”, he said.
”This is why Townhall engagement like this across the federation is vitally important”.
He hailed the Honorable Minister (State) Police Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim for recognizing Lagos and bringing the first engagement to the nation’s commercial nerve centre.
In her speech, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim reeled out past efforts of previous governments aimed at restructuring the policing system and achieving an effective Nigeria Police Force. She noted that there are plans to harmonise these efforts.
Blacktalker reported that some of the policing challenges as shown by data, Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim mentioned ‘1652 armed robbery cases; 4450 kidnapping cases; 4731 murder cases; 525 communal clashes among others.’
According to her, the aim is to reduce the crime rate, increase trust and confidence in police from the public, enhance operational efficiency and enhance the welfare of police officers. ”We cannot spend our people, so we have to look for money to spend, the President told us at the ministerial retreat”, she recalled.
In his welcome address, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun pointed out that the citizens’ townhall engagement provides a unique opportunity for the police force to feel the pulse of the society. “I wish to encourage policing as a joint effort of the police and community”.
IGP Egbetokun then mentioned some strides of the Police under his leadership. “This includes ‘Establishment of SIS to address violent crimes to pilot in 10 states including Lagos”, he said. ”It is the strike force of the police; Reorganization of the force criminal investigation department; Repositioning of the intelligence arm of the force – good information, good case”.
He added that the department has been granted autonomy with directorate status plus a purpose-built facility is ongoing; Special action units such as MOPOL, are being reinforced; as well as the increased yearly enlistment from 10,000 to 30,000 as instructed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Journalists, Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, and Government at all levels must collaborate, protect, and uphold human rights by abiding by the ethics guiding their duties and operations to Nigerians and humanity.
These were the submissions of stakeholders at a one-day workshop for Journalists and Civil Society Organisations, CSOs to commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, UDHR organized by the Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria, HRJN and the United Nations Information Centre, UNIC in Lagos State.
International Partners Senior Human Rights Adviser, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Adwoa Kufuor-Owusu, who led the opening session titled: ”Understanding UDHR: The History and Significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Key Articles and Principles” tasked governments with evolving with the rest the world by amending existing laws that uphold human rights to reflect the current global realities such as the emergence of artificial intelligence also known as AI.
Kufuor-Owusu, who was represented at the one-day workshop by Esther Balami, a Human Rights Officer, also advocated constant training for stakeholders on the principles and articles of the UDHR to avoid violations of people during the discharge of their duties.
“Let us continue to build our capacity and know more about human rights. So the more knowledge we have about human rights, the more we can better protect and promote human rights and not violate the rights of people” she said.
Facilitators and Resource Persons
Executive Director, Media Development Network and Board Member, HRJN, Lekan Otufodunrin delivered a paper on the Role of Journalists in Promoting Human Rights Ethical Considerations, Challenges, Case Studies, and Best Practices, where he underscored the importance of ethics in the reportage and advocacy of human rights stories.
Otufodunrin also highlighted Editorial Independence, Accuracy and Fairness, Privacy, Privilege and Non-Disclosure, Discrimination, Public Interest, Social Responsibility, Plagiarism, and Copyrights as some key areas where Journalists as stakeholders in the fight against the violation of human rights must consider in their reportage.
Also, the Co-Founder of Digital Rights Lawyers Initiative, Solomon Okedara, who looked at the topic of Strategic Litigation on Human Rights, reeled credible platforms where stakeholders can gather data when working on human rights cases. He emphasised that technology can play vital roles such as Data Gathering, Cleaning, and Utilisation, Amplifying Voices, Tracking Impact and Changes, Leverage of Open Resources.
A Civic Technologist, Award Winning Project Manager, and Certified Lead Auditor, John Eromosele, took participants on a session of Using (Open) Data to document and advocate for Human Rights, which he said can go a long way in seeking redress for the violation of rights under the laws and principles that exist for the protection of human rights.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Executive Director of HRJN, Kehinde Adegboyega, explained that the one-day workshop was organised against the backdrop of Human Rights Day, which is commemorated around the world on the tenth of December every year.
”We at HRJN realised that there is a gap and that journalists need to understand issues around human rights before they can report on it, and that is the gap we are filling. Journalists need to be informed, educated, and empowered. When they have this knowledge, they won’t abuse human rights in the line of discharging their duties” he said.
Participants Online Journalist, Zainab Oyedeji, said the workshop was able to better explain the various fundamental human rights in clear terms and this will aid her reportage on the matter going forward.
Another journalist, Temitope described the workshop as an eye-opener that will further boost her performance as she will be discharging her duties from an informed position.
” I was not aware that I have certain rights like the article twenty-four of the UDRH which talks about the right to rest and leisure” she noted.
Software Developer and Volunteer with HRJN, God’sTime Agho stressed the need for the government to be held accountable for the protection and promotion of citizens’ rights in line with global best practices.
Peculiar Showale of Paradigm Initiative harped on the need for collaboration between all key stakeholders if the intended progress is to be made on the promotion of human rights in Nigeria.
Blacktalker reports that the tenth of December,2023 marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of one of the world’s most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights also known as (UDHR). This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinions, national or social origin, property, birth, or other statuses.
The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on the tenth of December 1948 and set out for the first time as fundamental human rights to be universally protected.
The 2023 Theme for the UDHR Celebration is Freedom, Equality, and Justice for All.
Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has promised a partnership between the Federal Government and the sporting community in Agege area of Lagos State to make the Obasa Cup football tournament a state-wide event.
Olawande made the promise at the weekend at the Anwaru-Islam School venue of the final sporting event which began a month ago in honour of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
According to a press statement made available to Blacktalker, top European football agents, Sosnovchi Veniami and Sharif Tariq as well as Busola Akinyemi, acclaimed FIFA player agent, and Alhaji Datti Umar Yusuf of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), were in attendance to identified talents who they plan to nurture for national and international placements.
Speaking at the event, Olawande stressed the need for constant youth engagements by well-meaning Nigerians adding that the government was open to ideas that would give citizens of young ages a sense of belonging.
The Minister, while commending Abdul-Ganiyu Vinod Obasa, founder of Vinod Football Academy and organiser of the tournament, for the positive impact on the youth of Agege, said he would be a part of further discussions to expand the scope of the tournament.
In his remarks, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, promised to sponsor some of the local footballers to Spain to play professionally.
“A football club is coming from Spain by February 2024 to harness talents in Lagos and they will start from Agege,” he said while urging Abdul-Ganiyu not to relent in making Agege the hub of football talents in the state.
Also speaking at the event, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa noted that beyond sports, the event inadvertently celebrated Agege and its richness.
The Speaker, who noted the importance of sports in any society that aims at development, said it was in the interest of the public that the Lagos Sports Commission Law was amended to broaden the vision of the state in that area.
“If we put down 20 million Naira annually to grow the Lagos League for example, imagine how many teams would be struggling to win that amount. Let’s put 10 million Naira into boxing or table tennis too and you will see what will happen. This is one of the best ways to take the youth out of the streets.
“Sports is a way to get out of unemployment and insecurity and I have told the Commissioner for Sports that we have to do this together for the interest of the public.
“Imagine the number of people that would gather should an Agege team be playing a team from Lagos Island. Also, imagine how this would boost micro and small businesses and the economy at such times,” he said.
Thanking the organiser of the tournament and his team, the Speaker promised to be involved in subsequent editions so that the event would spread across the entire state.
Organiser of the sporting event, Mr. Junaid Abdul-Ganiyu said he decided to establish a football academy and the sporting event to bridge a gap and reduce the lapses in grassroots sports development that need to be corrected.
“Apart from that, there are too many talents at the grassroots, but very limited opportunities to bring them to the forefront. I felt there was a need to change the narrative,” he said.
Chefs, Food Enthusiasts, Bloggers, Vendors, Farmers, and Government representatives led by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, have converged on the Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island for the 2023 Lagos Food Fest with the theme: “A Fusion of Flavours.
Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, who was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Commissioner of Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya, and other top government functionaries toured the market exhibition where vendors displayed food items including finger foods, drinks, mocktails, spices, fresh seafood, farm produce before participating in a cooking exercise with chef Gibbs preparing a dish of Mac and Cheese infused with Nnkwobi a local delicacy from the Igbo Tribe of Eastern Nigeria.
Hamzat noted that the event is an avenue to showcase the talents of young people in a manner that will enhance revenue generation both for them and the state government. He said talents will not amount to anything if the bearers cannot look inward and provide solutions to problems within their communities.
”So they are looking inward to say how we can add value and be successful. That is what I see here, prosperity, ingenuity, innovation, and the spirit of Lagos.
“So my charge to everybody is let’s look at what we can do to add value when you do that, the society gets better and you get better yourself and we can improve this country and that for me is what this event is all about. You can see that every year it’s changing, even the demographics of people coming the first year there are lots of older people, this year you can see lots of younger people.
Chef Gibbs, who spoke while making the fusion dish with the Deputy Governor of Lagos explained that using penne pasta, cheese, and other spices while infusing it with the locally sourced Nnkwobi demonstrated Lagos is a melting pot of culture and that it is possible to infuse flavours from different cultures to make remarkable dishes.
Blacktaker reports that the 2023 Lagos Food Fest, the fourth in its series, is an initiative of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture. Described as the biggest food festival in the state, the event had in attendance Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, Guinness World Record Strategist, Chef Gibbs, Legendary singer, 2baba, Mavins Record singer, Crayon, Fuji Singer, Adewale Ayuba among others turning up the flavours and the beat amid cooking competitions, laughter, bonding, and a festive mood.
In a collaborative effort, Sosa Fruit Drinks and Rite Sausage Rolls brands of Rite Foods Limited have hosted an exclusive movie hangout for 70 lucky consumers who were treated to a VIP screening of ‘The Marvels,’ at Silverbird Cinemas, in Ikeja City Mall, Lagos, on 2nd December 2023, thereby strengthening their emotional connection with the brands.
It was part of the brands’ ongoing commitment to innovatively engage and reward their loyal consumers who were selected from various social media platforms through engaging contests tailored to each brand’s identity.
Rite Sausages hosted a lively movie trivia challenge, urging participants to guess movie titles from quotes, while Sosa Fruit Drinks initiated an interactive flavour-guessing game, adding an extra layer of excitement to the initiative.
Winners from the social media platforms were also invited to come with a companion to share in the memorable experience in the movie hangout which started at 2 pm, with the ultimate premium movie experience, complemented with refreshing products from Rite Sausage Rolls and the Sosa Fruit Drink brand.
Impressively, both brands have established themselves as more than just products on the market, as Rite Sausage Rolls, with 16 years of nourishing the nation, is a functional brand that aims to help consumers fulfill their dreams and achieve long-term pursuits. Sosa Fruit Drink, known for being a fun, friendly, and family-oriented brand is rapidly warming the hearts of consumers, taking the brand to wherever they are. ‘The central theme of the Marvels’ movie that individuals possess the power to overcome challenges through strength and resilience, aligns perfectly with the aspirational communications of the brands.
Adebola Adeyinka, the Assistant Marketing Manager and Brand Handler for Sosa Fruit Drink, expressed the brand’s joy in creating memorable experiences for consumers. She highlighted the brand’s dedication to offering more than just products and emphasised the importance of prioritising consumers’ needs and building lasting emotional connections.
Similarly, Olawale Odenusi, the Digital Lead for Rite Foods Ltd and Brand Handler for Rite Sausage Rolls, stressed the importance of organising such hangouts to express gratitude for consumers’ unwavering loyalty.
“Consumers are the heart of the brand, and each individual is considered indispensable. So, we constantly find ways to show that they matter to us and encourage them to unleash the bull inside,” he stated.
Both leading brands in their market segment remain committed to consumer satisfaction and engagement, continually creating meaningful experiences, as Rite Sausages recently concluded the Rite Recycle 2.0 sustainability campaign, encouraging followers to share art created from Rite Sausage Rolls’ cartons and wraps, while Sosa Fruit Drink continues to offer a variety of flavours for consumers’ satisfaction.
As part of efforts to achieve its mandate of ensuring 30% of Lagos commuters embrace the waterways as a viable alternative to road traffic congestion, the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) in collaboration with EKO TOKEN in the year 2022 introduced a cash reward system for its customers, where cash prizes of between 5, 000 to 100 million Naira can be won by purchasing a LAGFERRY ticket using the Cowry Card.
The financial incentives and benefits offered by the cash reward system have made water transportation a more attractive option compared to congested roads or crowded public transportation and have led to a decrease in traffic congestion, improved air quality, and reduced overall carbon footprints.
According to a press statement made available to Blacktalker, this Consumer-Centric initiative has recorded a significant and impressive number of winners, whose lives have been impacted positively, and revolutionized commuters’ experience on the waterways by motivating them to use water transportation as their primary mode of commuting and travel.
Mrs. Bunmi Bakare, winner of the sum of 500,000 Naira while urging other passengers to get their Cowry Card and patronise LAGFERRY, revealed that winning the cash reward has had a transformative effect on her life by providing financial relief for her immediate needs and sustenance. Another winner of the sum of 500,000 Naira, Mr. Adekunle Dotun commended the initiative, describing it as an unexpected windfall that was channeled towards his business and positively affected his overall well-being.
Awwal Ibrahim, who won 200, 000 Naira stated that he at first ignored the message that informed him he had won but was elated when he got the alert. He thanked the Lagos State Government for the initiative and revealed he used the money to pay his son’s school fees.
Mrs. Titilayo Igunnu, a winner of a sum of 100,000 Naira and a regular LAGFERRY passenger, who stated that she uses the boat every day to commute from Ikorodu to Falomo-Ikoyi, enjoined other Lagos commuters to embrace the waterways as an alternative to road transport and patronise LAGFERRY as a ride guarantees comfort, pleasure, and safety. She described winning the cash reward promo as an overwhelming experience that had a profound impact on her finances and strengthened her resolve to continue to patronise LAGFERRY.
Other winners that have been impacted positively by the LAGFERRY/Eko Token cash reward promo include Mr. Opara Chibueze who won 100,000 Naira; Ibrahim Lasisi 20,000 Naira; Mrs. Adeola Abass 20,000 Naira; Mr. Hunsu Noah 20,000 Naira; Bashir Mukhtar 200,000 Naira and many more passengers who have won various sums and are still winning.
As the mantra of Eko Token goes “Buy in Lagos, Win in Lagos” It is very exhilarating to pay for transport services to be rendered and win back multiple folds of your fare!! It’s a WIN-WIN for the people of Lagos!
Blacktalker reports that making LAGOS a 21st Century Economy is one of the cardinal pillars of the THEMES PLUS Developmental Agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration and this objective of encouraging private sector businesses and improving the well-being of the citizens is being achieved through the LAGFERRY/EKO TOKEN collaboration.
It is changing the narratives of water transportation by incentivising its usage, improving quality of life, reducing traffic congestion, benefiting the environment, boosting local economies, enhancing tourism, and driving infrastructure development. As this system gains popularity, water transportation will likely play a more prominent role in urban mobility and sustainable travel options in the smart-driven mega city of LAGOS.
Smallholder fish farmers in Lagos State have received twenty Smoking Kilns through a partnership programme between the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority, LSADA, and the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, BATNF.
Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya explained that partnership is not only to provide agricultural productive assets to selected beneficiaries to boost their production and increase their income, but also to train fish farmers on best global practices.
Olusanya, who was represented by the Director Agric Business, Aramide Gansallo spoke at the closing ceremony of a three-day Capacity building workshop with the theme; “Fingerling to Fork” which was organised with a focus on agriculture research and provision of various production and technologies to farmers.
In his remarks, the General Manager of BATNF, Odunsanya Dare, commended the Lagos State Government for its continued support of the socio-economic and agricultural development of smallholder farmers in the State.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Olatokunbo Emokpae who was represented by the Director of Fishery, Osunkoya Daisi, congratulated the beneficiaries, urging them to make good use of the facilities to better their standard of living.
Blacktalker reports that the donation/ training took place within the premises of Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority at Oko-Oba , Agege Motor Road.
The Lagos State Government has assured security stakeholders of its determination to partner with them in ensuring that the state remains safer and secure for peaceful co-existence.
Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin gave the assurance during a maiden meeting with a delegation of the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC of the Lagos Command led by its chairman, Kehinde Showemimo at the Cabinet Office in Alausa, Ikeja.
Salu-Hundeyin, who expressed the belief that collaboration can further strengthen the security architecture of the state and foster the safety of Lagosians, urged the PCRC team to engage the youths in carrying out its mandate of interfacing between the police and the citizens.
“Youths are known for their strength and energetic presence anywhere they are and bringing them on board will further make the work of PCRC, the State Government and other stakeholders easier. They are also technologically savvy and can bring their knowledge to bear in the area of infrastructural security.”
In his remarks, Lagos State Chairman of PCRC, Kehinde Showemimo explained that the delegation is in the Cabinet Office to see how the PRCP can support/consolidate the state government’s efforts in security.
Showemimo, who commended the state government efforts through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund towards funding security agencies, pledged to act on the recommendations of the state government in engaging the youth among others for a safer Lagos.
Blacktalker reports that the meeting ended with the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin being announced as the Matron of PCRC Lagos Police Command.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has inaugurated the newly Constructed Police Area “M” Command Phase two and three in Idimu, Alimosho Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin said the inauguration of the infrastructure is not only remarkable but also attests to the commitment of his administration in ensuring the safety and security of lives and properties with the axis and across the State
According to him, his administration has kept the promise of building befitting edifices for the police in all the fourteen divisions across the State, noting that the new edifice will enhance the performance of the Commandant and his officers in keeping citizens and their properties safe.
The Governor noted that all hands have been on deck to ensure that Lagos State is free of crime, filthy environment, and several other social vices and the State Government is leaving no community behind on this journey of a better security architecture that is required in a smart city.
“As a Government, we are not unmindful of the impact of insecurity on lives and properties, businesses and the economy, that is why we are deliberate in deploying several strategies including provision of skills acquisitions, agricultural programmes, construction, wealth creation, employment trust fund and use of technology to make our Lagos State greater, safer and more secured as the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria and indeed Africa”.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Lawal Pedro, SAN commended the Governor’s unwavering commitment to enhancing infrastructural development in the justice administration and supporting the cause of law and order in Lagos State.
”Commendations go to all involved in bringing this project to fruition—the architects, engineers, contractors, and every individual contributing expertise. Particularly my predecessors in office. Your commitment to excellence reflects the shared values we hold very dearly in Lagos State”.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, added that beyond offering a conducive workspace, the facility is designed to enhance community policing, fostering a closer relationship between law enforcement and Idimu residents as well as address security challenges to build a safer and more harmonious society.
Blacktalker reports that Phase I of this project which had the administrative Block had earlier been delivered, while the newly constructed Phases II & III have features such as the Commander Quarters, Lecture Hall, Hostel, Canteen, Water Treatment Plant, Generator House, Waste Area, Car Park, Furniture and Equipment.
