Personality in Focus
2023 NAOSNP National Security Conference: Panelists Proffer Solutions to Arms Proliferation, Call for Synergy
By Eric Elezuo
The main hall of the Civic Centre in Lagos was a beehive of activities as stakeholders, experts, security practitioners and the general public gathered to proffer solutions to an age long challenge of proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
The event was the 2023 edition of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers’ (NAOSNP) National Security Conference with the theme Uptick of Lethal Weapons As a Threat: Arm-full, Harm-full in New Dispensation under the chairmanship of the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) IGP Solomon Arase (Retd).
The cynosure of the high profile event was the showcasing of a panel session of highly rated society security professionals comprising the Acting Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI) Lt. Col AY Ngulde; Assistant Controller General, Federal Fire Service, Zone F, South West, Chika Njoku; Force Publice Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Commandant, Lagos State Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Alfadarai; Director, Public Affairs, West African Examination Council (WAEC) National Office, Ms Moyosola Adesina; Managing Director, Safety Signatures, Dr. Cynthia Gregg; Head of Enforcement, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Kayode Odunuga, and Head of Security, Leadway Assurance, Mr Ufot.
Moderating the panel discussions, the Editor of the Boss Newspaper and Public Relations Officer of NAOSNP, Mr. Eric Elezuo, took the discussants on a round robin journey of proffering assessment of the security situation of the country, with special emphasis on the proliferation and use of light weapons in the perpetuation of crimes and criminality by non state actors.
Lt. Col. Ngulde, who set the ball rolling identified non cooperation from the members of the public to enhance the security agencies’ efforts in ending criminality occasioned by prevalent of illegal weapons in the public space. He called on the public, especially the media to rise to the occasion, join hands with the security agencies, who are already on top of their game, to curb the menace.
In his remarks, Commandant Alfadarai lauded the efforts of NAOSNP in leading the way to ending insecurity. He enumerated the achievements of his agency in arresting the activities of the criminals as it regards the protection of national assets and infrastructure.
Security expert, Cynthia Gregg, identified the inordinate ambition of certain individuals to intimidate and dominate their fellow man as one of the reasons for the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the Nigerian Civil space, thereby resulting in insecurity and unsafe habitation.
She also advised the security agencies to up their games in manning the borders, which according to her, have become so porous that anything and anyone can go in and out with little or no restrictions.
In his assessment, Adejobi, who stood in for the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun as the special guest of honour, went down memory lane to expose the activities of the members of the underworld. He called on diverse security operators to harness their energies as one indivisible unit to fight the scourge. He frowned at the idea of the agencies acting without synergy, noting that criminals are attacking and killing everyone irrespective of the agency they belong to, using the recent Imo attack as a case study where soldiers, policemen and NSCDC officials were slaughtered.
Adejobi also called on residents and community leaders to be vigilant in the area of security stating that individuals can arrest offenders where necessary, according to the Criminal Code, in section 12. He warned however, that arresting offenders by civilians should be with discretion since they don’t bear arms, and that mobbing and beating up of suspects is not part of ‘arresting’.
He added that anyone, who wishes to possess fire arms must have them licenced by the appropriate authority.
“The law empowers military personnel, and law enforcement agencies to carry arms. It’s however frightening to see many individuals possessing firearms without being licensed by the authority.
“In Nigeria, everybody wants to posses firearm for one reason or the other which is the basis of the current problem we have now,” he said.
He further informed that dane guns, as used by hunters in villages across the country, ought to be licensed, but because they are seen as part of culture, law agencies do not arrest the owners, stressing that such guns still need to be licensed.
Adejobi raised the alarm, saying that most light weapons are not imported, but fabricated within the Nigerian space by locals just as unfavorable landscape has remained a prohibiting factor in tracking offenders, most of whom domicile in the interior parts of the communities.
Speaking from the perspective of conducting exams, Ms Adesina, recounted how exams, which involves five West African countries could have been stalled by activities of criminal elements in whose hands light weapons and arms are rested. She lamented that the activities of criminals place extra task of re-setting exams each time they attack men and materials of the exam body.
In his contribution, LASTMA’s Odunuga lamented that the spread of light arms is the reason behind ‘one chance’ incidents frequently experienced on the highway. He advised commuters to always board their bases at the right garages and bus stops where a certain element of security is guaranteed.
All the panel members agreed that the issue the curbing of proliferation of arms and light weapons is a collective responsibility involving all the security agencies, the media and the general public. They concluded that everyone should operate on the policy of ‘see something, say something’.
The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), has commiserated with the Nigerian Police Force, the Lagos State Command and the Commissioner of Lagos, CP Fatai Tijani over the loss to death of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Administration, Khan Salihu, who passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026 after a brief illness.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Eric Elezuo, on behalf of the president, Mayor Samson Oki, the Association expressed heartfelt condolences on the irreparable loss, noting that DCP Salihu was a thoroughbred Officer, who approached his job with discipline and equanimity, obtaining trust from both colleagues and the general public.
“With heart full of regret, but total submission to the will of Almighty God, we, the members of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), commiserate with the entire Nigerian Police Force family, especially the Lagos State Command, and its Commissioner, CP Fatai Tijani, on the death of DCP Khan Salihu,” the statement noted.
“DCP was a discipline officer, whose stock in trade revolves round professionalism, stewardship and the need to deliver on the security and safety framework of the Police, and Lagos State in particular, where he died in active service.
“He was an extremely professional senior officer, humble, discipline, media friendly, always willing to support.
“The Police hierarchy and the entire Nigerian media space will sincerely miss him even as we pray that Allah grant him Aljannatul Firdaus,” the statement concluded.
According to the Lagos Command, “DCP Khan Salihu will be fondly remembered for his dedication, humility, professionalism, and selfless service to the nation and the Nigeria Police Force. His legacy of service and commitment will continue to inspire officers and men of the Command.”
May his soul rest in perfect peace just as God grants his family the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
Personality in Focus
Eminent Gents Int’l Announces Philanthropist Abiodun Enilari Paseda As New President
By Eric Elezuo
The Eminent Gents International Club, an association of eminent gentlemen, who have proved their mettle in the society, and committed to lending a helping to the upliftment of the society, has announced Sir Abiodun Paseda as its new president.
Paseda takes over from Eminent Otunba Olumide Owoseni, who performed creditably well during his tenure in office.
The announcement was made following a keenly contested electoral process, where Paseda was elected unopposed. His election, according to a cross section of the club members, was made possible as a result of the confidence members reposed in him owing to his acknowledged discipline, focus and leadership abilities.
Announcing the results, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Eminent Barr. Taiwo Odumosu, commended members for the maturity, discipline, and commitment they demonstrated throughout the process, noting that despite minor challenges encountered, members conducted themselves in a manner that reflected the values and ideals upon which the Club was founded.
Immediate Past President Eminent Otunba Olumide Owoseni
Barr. Odumosu congratulated the newly elected officers and urged them to provide purposeful and inclusive leadership capable of strengthening the unity and growth of the Club.
Among members of the executive council, who will be working with Eminent Paseda are Eminent Barr. Oluwaseun Basorun, who was elected as the Vice President and Eminent Ariyo Abass, who won the General Secretary position.
Others are Eminent Ganiu Omotoso for the office of the Assistant General Secretary, Eminent Akinsanya Olaseni as Financial Secretary, Eminent Muyiwa Jayesimi as the Treasurer, Eminent Barrister Yomi Akodu as the Public Relations Officer and Eminent Segun Fetuga, who won the position of the Social Secetary.
Eminent Odumosu admonished the incoming administration to ensure that no member is left behind in the affairs of the Club, and to place the welfare of members at the forefront of its programmes and policies in order to continue to enhance the beautiful etiquette of the almost 20 years Club.
The Eminent Gents International Club was established in 2006 as a group saddled with the responsibility of catering for the less privileged, the needy and the have-nots of the society. The Club strongly believes in giving back to the society, with an overriding philosophy, which revolves around pooling skills, resources and experience to create a sustainable change, and improve the lives of those in need.
New Vice President Eminent Barrister Oluwaseun Bashorun
Consequently, the Club has prioritise engagements in targeted initiatives aimed at addressing critical issues affecting the needy cutting across food, heathcare, shelter, clothing and not forgetting empowerment.
In his acceptance speech, Eminent Paseda pledged to live up to expectations, and ensure that the founding principles of the Club is not derailed.
He congratulated his co-executive council members, urging everyone to give their best performance to ensure the success of the administration in particular, and the Club in general.
A distinguished Nigerian based in London, England, Paseda is the Chief Executive Officer, Focus on Disabilities (FOD) Foundation, a not for profit organization that is saddled with the responsibility of seeing to the wellbeing of those living with disabilities. The organization, founded in 2010, has supervised the provision of sundry humanitarian assistance to people living with disabilities across Nigeria and the African continent with special mention to England, his place of residence.
He is a stern believer in the lifting of the downtrodden in the society, and has been awarded the Humanitarian award by Ceebee Gold Foundation.
A recipient of the BEFFTA Award, Africa achiever Award, Scotland among many others, Paseda has since 2012 been distributing movement enhancing materials to the disabled across the continent. Some of these distributions include 60 wheel chairs and disability aids in Kano and Kaduna states in 2012; distribution of clutches, wheel chairs, food items among other things in Ogun state in March and September 2013. Ever since, the selfless giver has not looked back in supporting the less privileged with his resources. He runs an all-expense paid home for people living with disabilities in Odogbolu, Ogun State
Paseda’s humanitarian outreach stretches across Africa and the UK where he is reputed to have touched a lot of lives.
A new chapter in clinical leadership has commenced at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, with the appointment of renowned Consultant Nephrologist, Dr. Olusola Adebisi, as the institution’s new Head of Clinical Services (HCS). He officially resumes duty today, Monday, June 15, 2026, following the expiration of the tenure of his predecessor, Dr. A.S. Adediran, whose stewardship contributed significantly to the advancement of clinical services within the tertiary healthcare institution.
The appointment, approved by the 7th Board of Management at its 6th Extraordinary Meeting held on June 8, 2026, is hailed as a strategic move that places one of the hospital’s most experienced clinicians and respected administrators at the helm of its clinical operations. With a distinguished career spanning renal medicine, healthcare leadership, organized medicine, and community service, Dr. Adebisi brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for excellence to the role.
Until his appointment, Dr. Adebisi served as Head of the Nephrology Unit at FMC Abeokuta, where he earned recognition as one of the leading authorities on kidney-related illnesses within the West African sub-region. A passionate advocate for preventive nephrology, he has spearheaded numerous community sensitization initiatives, including annual World Kidney Day campaigns aimed at promoting early detection and management of kidney disease. He has also mentored and supervised generations of resident doctors, medical officers, and specialized nephrology nurses, helping to sustain a culture of clinical excellence.
His leadership credentials extend beyond clinical practice. Dr. Adebisi previously served as Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), FMC Abeokuta Chapter, where he was instrumental in fostering professional harmony and academic advancement among consultants. He currently serves as Faculty Treasurer of the West African College of Physicians (WACP), a role that underscores his financial discipline, organizational trust, and administrative competence. His earlier engagements with the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) further enriched his understanding of Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Adebisi is actively involved in civic and community development. He currently serves as President of the Rotary Club in the Oke-Ona Egba District, championing humanitarian, maternal health, and community empowerment initiatives. He is also the Social Secretary of the Abeokuta Sports Club, contributing to social cohesion and cultural development within Ogun State.
A devout Christian and committed family man, Dr. Adebisi is widely respected for a leadership style rooted in integrity, compassion, and service. As Head of Clinical Services, he is expected to focus on strengthening patient-centred care, enhancing clinical research and residency training, improving interdepartmental collaboration, and promoting institutional harmony across all clinical cadres.
Speaking on his vision for the office, Dr. Adebisi emphasized the need for innovation, professionalism, and teamwork in healthcare delivery. “Our objective remains clear: to deliver compassionate, world-class, and accessible healthcare to our immediate community and beyond, fueled by clinical innovation, integrity, and absolute dedication to human life,” he said.
With his assumption of office today, stakeholders within and outside FMC Abeokuta express optimism that his blend of clinical expertise, administrative experience, and people-centred leadership will further strengthen the institution’s position as a leading centre of excellence in healthcare delivery, training, and research.
