Personality in Focus
AIG Adegoke Fayoade Takes Charge of Zone 2 Command, Seeks Support, Cooperation
The Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Fayoade Mustapha Adegoke, has officially assumed duty as the 32nd Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command headquarters, Onikan-Lagos, according to a statement e-signed by the Zonal Public Relations Officer, SP Ayuba Ummar, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).
AIG Fayoade takes over from AIG Olatoye Durosinmi, who retired on the 19th day of August 2024, with a vow to strengthen security efforts and build greater trust between the police and the public.
In his inaugural address on assumption of office, the AIG expressed his commitment to tackling crime and improving the security landscape in the region while seeking public cooperation and support.
He thanked the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for assigning him to Zone 2, and acknowledged the responsibility that comes with overseeing security in two of Nigeria’s most important states; Lagos and Ogun while describing his new role as a challenge to improve on the existing security framework in both states.
“I appreciate the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, for posting me to this Zone. I see it as a challenge to add quality to the security situation in both Lagos and Ogun States and improve on it. With the efforts of the Commissioners of Police in both states, we will ensure these areas remain crime-free,” the AIG stated.
He also emphasized the importance of collaboration with the public to reduce crime and build trust in the police force.
“Summarily, my coming here is to ensure that criminal activities are brought down in these areas. We will collaborate with the police and, most importantly, the public to build trust. We will be accountable to the public and make them feel assured with the presence of the police in their communities,” he added.
Fayoade reassured the public that efforts are being made to bring culprits to justice. “We haven’t rested and are still gathering intelligence on the unresolved kidnapping cases. Notwithstanding my promotion, we remain focused on these investigations,” he said.
In addition, the AIG highlighted the significant role of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in bridging the gap between the police and the public.
“The PCRC has been assisting the police in mobilizing public support and acting as a bridge between the police and the public. In Zone 2, I will work with the PCRC to ensure policing is elevated and the public is brought closer to the police to achieve better results,” he concluded.
The resumption of the new AIG is expected to bring renewed vigor to the fight against crime in Lagos and Ogun States, with a focus on accountability, public trust, and stronger community-police relations.
AIG Fayoade hails from Ila-Orangun in Ila Local Government Area of Osun State. He was appointed into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police on 18th May, 1992 and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from the University of Lagos, a Diploma in Political Science, LLB (Hons) from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and a Master Degree in Public Administration also from the University of Lagos.
He is a seasoned Police officer, a strategist and crime fighter who has served the Force meritoriously in various capacities.
Prior to his recent elevation to the enviable rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police and posting to Zone 2 Command Headquarters Onikan, Lagos comprising Lagos and Ogun State Commands as the 32nd Assistant Inspector General of Police, he was the Commissioner of Police in-charge of Lagos State Police Command.
While soliciting maximum support and cooperation of the good people of Lagos and Ogun States, AIG Fayoade assures them of a citizen-friendly, problem-solving, rule of law compliant and intelligence-based proactive policing in the Zone.
Writers across Nigeria, under the auspices of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), have united in commemorating the 94th posthumous birthday of one of Africa’s greatest literary icons, Prof. Chinua Achebe. Achebe, renowned globally for his groundbreaking novel *Things Fall Apart*, remains an enduring symbol of literary excellence and cultural preservation.
In a statement issued by Wole Adedoyin, the President of SYNW emphasized Achebe’s unmatched contributions to African literature and his role as a beacon of inspiration for writers across generations. Adedoyin highlighted the Society’s unwavering commitment to honoring Achebe’s legacy through creative and impactful initiatives.
One of the key tributes mentioned is the *Chinua Achebe Annual Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture*, initiated by the Anambra Chapter Coordinator of SYNW, Izunna Okafor. Now in its 9th edition, the festival has become a significant platform for celebrating Achebe’s works and discussing his influence on modern African literature.
Cynthia Maduekwe, the President of the Nigeria Society of Campus Writers, also spearheaded the *Writers Tour*, another initiative aimed at engaging young writers with Achebe’s literary philosophy. This tour exposes aspiring authors to Achebe’s timeless themes of cultural identity, colonialism, and societal transformation, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) reaffirmed its dedication to Achebe’s memory through these longstanding programs. Writers across the country were encouraged to reflect on Achebe’s life and works, sharing tributes and essays on social media platforms to further propagate his vision of storytelling.
Adedoyin lauded the efforts of writers like Okafor and Maduekwe, whose initiatives keep Achebe’s legacy alive.
He also urged literary organizations and institutions to continue collaborating to sustain Achebe’s impact on African literature and culture.
“Prof. Achebe’s work transcends literature. He gave Africans a voice on the global stage, presenting our stories with authenticity and pride. Celebrating his 94th posthumous birthday is a reminder of the power of storytelling in shaping society,” Adedoyin stated.
The SYNW also used the opportunity to announce plans for a series of upcoming events dedicated to Achebe in the coming year, including essay competitions, poetry readings, and book discussions. These programs aim to further Achebe’s vision of nurturing literary talent and promoting African narratives.
As the literary community celebrates Achebe’s life and achievements, his timeless words resonate: “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”
Achebe’s legacy continues to inspire writers to tell their own stories, preserving the richness of African culture for generations to come.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers concluded by inviting literary enthusiasts to join in celebrating Achebe’s enduring impact, emphasizing that his legacy is a shared treasure for all who value the power of words.
Personality in Focus
UBA Appoints Henrietta Ugboh Independent Non-Executive Director As Owanari Duke Retires from Group Board
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has announced the appointment of Henrietta Ugboh as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
The appointment has been approved by the relevant regulatory bodies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria.
UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, CFR commenting on the appointment, said, “Henrietta Ugboh brings a track record of professional success, integrity and leadership, which will further strengthen the UBA Group Board, underlining once again the Group’s commitment to robust corporate governance.”
Ugboh holds a degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin, an MBA from ESUT Business School, and is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School’s Executive Management Program. She has over 30 years experience in banking with Citibank and is an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration (FICA).
Elumelu added that with her considerable experience and expertise, which includes commercial banking, credit, and risk management, the UBA Board is delighted to welcome Mrs Ugboh to the Group Board, “We look forward to her invaluable contribution to the Group, as we continue to execute our unique growth strategy across Africa and globally.”
The Board also announced the retirement of Mrs. Owanari Duke, an Independent Non-Executive Director, who joined the UBA Group Board in October 2012.
During her tenure, Mrs. Duke provided distinguished leadership, serving on Committees of the Bank including the Board Governance Committee, Board Audit, Governance, Nomination & Remuneration Committee, Board Credit Committee, Finance & General Purpose Committee and Statutory Audit Committee.
On behalf of the board, Mr. Elumelu expressed UBA’s deep appreciation to Mrs. Duke for her dedication and significant contributions to the Group, wishing her the best in her future endeavour.
United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than forty-five million customers, across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries. With presence in New York, London, Paris and Dubai, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and related banking services.
Personality in Focus
Tinubu Hails FirstBank’s Immediately Past CEO, Adeduntan on Exceptional Service
By Eric Elezuo
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has congratulated the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of the FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan as the bank holds a splendid Sendforth party on his behalf for a meritorious service.
The president’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Information & Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
The statement reads in full:
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES DR ADEDUNTAN, AS FIRST BANK CELEBRATES EX-GROUP CEO
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Dr Adesola Adeduntan, the retired Group Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Nigeria Limited, for his exceptional service at Nigeria’s oldest bank.
In celebration of Adeduntan’s remarkable tenure, the 130-year-old First Bank will host a special send-off ceremony this weekend, expressing gratitude for his contributions over the past nine years.
President Tinubu commends him for steering the bank through transformative growth, which includes expanding customer accounts from 10 million to over 42 million and elevating Profit Before Tax from N10 billion in 2015 to an impressive N300 billion in 2023.
These milestones, the President said, reflected Adeduntan’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence.
The President expresses his appreciation for Adeduntan’s willingness to serve the nation in various pivotal roles, including his contributions to the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and other prominent institutions. His extensive expertise in the financial sector has significantly bolstered Nigeria’s economic landscape.
President Tinubu also lauds the bank’s solid internal management ethos, which is responsible for the seamless transition from Adeduntan to the current CEO, Olusegun Alebiosu.
President Tinubu wishes Dr Adeduntan continued success in all his future endeavours.
