Personality in Focus
Benue, Kebbi, Delta, Kaduna CPs, RRS Commander, Others Felicitate with Ogunsan on NAOSNP Man of the Year Award
Benue, Kebbi, Delta, Kaduna CPs, RRS Commander, Others Felicitate with Ogunsan on NAOSNP Award
Accolades have continued to trail the Chairman, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, on his well deserved award as the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) Man of the Year.
Among the latest of congratulatory messages to honour the celebrated philanthropist were from distinguished Commissioners of Police from various states of the Federation including Wale Abass of Benue State, Ari Mohammed Ali of Delta State, Ahmed Kontagora of Kebbi State and Yekini Ayoku of Kaduna State. Others are CP Jonathan Towuru, who is in charge of Ports Authority, Western Command, Apapa and CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Lagos.
In their separate congratulatory messages, the senior Police officers noted that Ogunsan is well fitted for the award as a result of his unequalled humanitarian tendencies and passion to ensure that security is maintained at all levels of human existence, especially in Lagos State..
“The Award is no doubt a fitting recognition of your selfless service in the security sector. The Invaluable role you have played and will to play to play in the nation’s security space has not gone unnoticed. It is hoped that you will continue to place at the service of our fatherland, your deep wealth of knowledge and experience in your professional calling and vocation. Be assured, history and posterity will have a pride of place to record your patriotic contributions as we work collectively towards securing our people,” the Kaduna State CP, Yekini Ayoku revealed.
In his remarks, the CP Towuru of the Ports Authority Command said:
“While celebrating your achievements within the security sector and the due recognition accorded, it is expedient to remind your humble self that there is still much work to be done. The challenges are enormous as can be gleaned from the theme of this year’s conference, but not insurmountable with active collaborations of all stakeholders.
“I rejoice with you once more and also accept my congratulations on this great and noble achievements.”
Ogunsan is expected to receive his award among other awardees during NAOSNP National Security Conference billed to hold on Wednesday September 21, 2022 at the prestigious Civic Centre on Victoria Island, Lagos.
The theme of the even is Crime Prevention and Intelligence Gathering: Institutionalising Citizen Participation, Technology and Way Forward, and will be chaired by an elder statesman and former Governor of Ogun State, Otunbe Segun Osoba.
Other dignitaries expected at the meet are former Minister of External Affairs and Military Administrator of old Imo State, General Ike Nwachukwu (Retd.), Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chief of Army Staff, General Farouk Yahaya; Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba; Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and a host of others.
The family of Bolaji Olarewaju, popularly known as Big Bolaji has confirmed the passing of the singer following a brief illness.
According to a statement signed by the Family on Saturday, Bolaji died on Easter Saturday.
The statement said, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bolaji Olarewaju, affectionately known as “Big B,” a cherished father, husband, brother, and an esteemed figure in both the church community, an ordained Pastor in the RCCG and a giant in the music industry and our community. Bolaji left us on Easter Saturday, 19th April 2025, after a brief illness.
“His departure leaves a void in our hearts that can not be filled.
“Bolaji’s life was a testament to his passion for music, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to uplifting those around him. His legacy is not only in the melodies he created but in the lives he touched and the unquantifiable joy he spread.
“We take solace in knowing that his absence with us is his presence with the Lord, and the indelible mark he left on all who had the privilege of knowing him will not be erased.
“As we navigate through this time of loss, we kindly request privacy to mourn as a family. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers.
“Details regarding the obsequies will be shared in due course as we come together to celebrate Bolaji’s remarkable life and legacy.
“Thank you for respecting our wishes during this incredibly difficult time. With gratitude, The Family of Bolaji Olarewaju.”
Pascal Dozie, a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and business leader has died. He was 86.
According to sources close to the deceased, Dozie died a battle with old age-related illness.
Dozie, was a man of many parts, best known for founding Diamond Bank and serving as chairman of Pan-Atlantic University.
He was born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Dozie’s educational background includes a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a master’s in Administrative Science from City University in London.
Dozie also founded theAfrican Development Consulting Group, which worked with notable clients like Nestle and Pfizer. He served as MTN Group chairman but later resigned and was succeeded by Ernest Ndukwe.
Dozie received the prestigious National Award of the Order of the Niger (OON) for his contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry.
Dozie is survived by his wife Chinyere Dozie, and five children among other relatives.
A former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Victor Olunloyo, is dead.
According to a statement by his family on Sunday, he died a few days before his 90th birthday.
The statement titled ‘Victor Olunloyo goes home’ was signed by Oladapo Ogunwusi on behalf of the family.
It read, “With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday.
“The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was first Rector, Ibadan polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments.
“His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even as we come to grip with this devastating event.
“The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial.
“Even from everlasting to everlasting, He is God.”
About a year ago in April 2024, the rumour of the death of the elder statesman was reported by some news platforms.
But speaking with The PUNCH correspondent who visited his Molete residence in Ibadan, the state capital, he debunked the rumour, saying he was hale and hearty.
“I’m still here, not yet gone,” he declared then.
He also expressed worry over the rumour and asked who would live forever, stressing, “Those breaking death news and the person presumed dead will all die one day.
“I’ve been lucky. My father died at 42, while my mother died at 102. I’m 89. I’ve crossed the expected life age.”
The elder statesman also illustrated how the rumour of his death hit several news platforms on June 7, 2022.
He noted that the rumour mongers claimed that he died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
A few days later, the family issued a statement, declaring that he was not dead but suffering from old age ailment and asked Nigerians to pray for him to survive the health complications.
