In a bid to uplift the spirits of the Lagos State Police Command, Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade visited the Area F Police Command, now led by ACP Paul Azuka Okafor. During his visit, CP Fayoade encouraged the officers to approach their duties with renewed passion and unwavering commitment, emphasizing the importance of dedicated service in ensuring public safety and trust.
The Area Command hosted a comprehensive meeting attended by all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and key security and community stakeholders to review the efforts and achievements of the first half of 2024. The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) reported on the event, highlighting the collaborative spirit and strategic discussions aimed at enhancing security measures moving forward.
In his address, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade stated: ‘I want to express my sincere appreciation to our people for their support. I assumed office on 14th December 2023 and in the last 6 months, we have put measures in place to improve the security level. We have brought policing closer to the people and have improved response time to incidence. This cannot be done without your support – credible information and logistics support.’
He addressed the officers, ‘Policing is service that is very noble and should be done with passion and commitment. It is for the day and for the night. It is what we have signed for, we have to do it with commitment.’
‘I have come to review our performance in the first half of the year so that we can do better this 2nd half than the first half and to address my officers so that we can better serve the good people of Ikeja.’
In his opening address, ACP Paul Azuka Okafor, the newly appointed Area Commander of Area F, expressed his vision and goals for the region. His remarks set a tone of dedication and commitment, signaling a proactive and community-focused leadership approach : ‘I welcome you to Area F division created on 13th August 1988. The area command is one of the most important and most strategic in Lagos State Command. This includes Lagos State Government House, Lagos State Secretariat, Lagos State Police Command, Lagos State House of Assembly, Lagos State General Hospital, Lagos State Judiciary, international and local airports, Air Force Base, Army Cantonment, Lagos bus terminus, Nigeria Custom Service Federal operations etc.’
‘It is gratifying to state that Area F has been relatively calm and peaceful with high profile crimes tackled and resolved promptly. Area F has enjoyed the Grace of God with the unrelenting support of officers and men and the collaboration of other security agencies. Although I am relatively new in this Command but all the achievements will not be possible without the dedicated, unassuming leadership qualities, close monitoring, and mentorship bestowed upon us by you, the CP.’
‘May I cease this opportunity to express my gratitude to Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government for moral and logistics support to the command. I also express gratitude to our IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun who within this short period have repositioned the Police for better service delivery’, the Area F Commander, ACP Okafor noted.
Speaking on behalf of stakeholders at the meeting, the Regent of Ikeja, Chief Temitope Ibikunle shared: ‘On behalf of the Ikeja residents, I want to thank our police officers for what you are doing. As the aborigines of Ikeja, we are restating our commitment to Ikeja that is free of crime.’
Hailing the CP, Chief Ibikunle recalled: ‘While he was at Panti during the Endsars saga, I recall how you managed the situation. I must say I admire your manner of handling matters so when you became Commissioner of Police, we are so joyful because we have someone who understands the terrain.’
‘I want to reiterate to the CP, you are the Lagos IG, that we sincerely need to take care of our officers. It is said that to whom much is given, much is expected but little is given to these ones and we expect much. So if welfare is something you can improve on, please do it because Lagos is an example for the other 35 states, what happens here is emulated by others. Please make it a priority’, the regent of Ikeja said.
During the CP’s recent visit, an impressive lineup of Divisional Police Officers attended. The distinguished group included CSP Elizabeth Oluwatoyin Opadola from Ojodu Division, CSP Tokunbo Abaniwonda of Alausa Division, CSP Akinwunmi Oke representing Ikeja Division, and CSP Peters Gbesu from Mosafejo Division. Also in attendance were SP Ayodele Elijah from Man Centre Division, CSP Yakubu Luka of Akinpelu Division, CSP Olayinka Aghedo of Shogunle Division, and Acting DPO SP Ashade Babatunde from Ilupeju Division. Each officer brought a wealth of experience and dedication, reflecting the strength and unity of the local police force.
Among the officers in attendance were CSP Benedict Eilenba, the Area Tactical Officer (ATO) and Area Control Officer (ACO) for Area F; CSP Cyril Nwobu, the second-in-command of Area F; CSP Oshiomogho Silvanus, Operations 1 Officer for Area F; CSP Aiyemomiro Mobolaji; and the Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Command, SP
Benjamin Hundeyin, along with several other distinguished officials.
In conclusion however, during the security meeting, several key stakeholders gathered to address pressing concerns. Among those in attendance were Chief Temitope Ibikunle, the Regent of Ikeja, and Mr. Emeka Atta, Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Area F. The meeting also saw the participation of notable PCRC members, including Barrister Fred Odutola, Eze Ndigbo Dr. Reuben, and Chief Ajisegiri, among others. Their collective presence underscored the community’s commitment to enhancing security measures and fostering collaboration.
