In a bold expansion of its role within Lagos’ security ecosystem, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has signalled a strategic shift beyond logistics and training into policy advocacy for security personnel, with its Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, declaring plans to amplify the voices of operatives on critical welfare issues including salaries and pensions.

The declaration came at the close of the second batch of the Fund’s statewide multi-agency training programme, where participants, facilitators, and security leaders converged around a shared theme that sustainable security outcomes depend not only on equipment and capacity building, but also on motivated personnel, institutional support, and continuous engagement with policymakers.

Speaking during the session, Dr. Ogunsan outlined what he described as a necessary evolution in the mandate of the LSSTF. “I got an idea that all the lessons and suggestions that we got here should not end here but we must take it to the public, most especially we direct some to our leaders who will help to enforce some of the issues,” he said.

He continued: “I feel that LSSTF should not just give equipment, organize training, but going forward, that advocacy on behalf of security agencies should be part of what we do. This is because in regimented settings which you belong to, most of these suggestions can’t be said because of the fear of your superiors. I want to say to you that before the next batch, I will organize a press engagement to speak to the authority at the federal, state, and local levels. We will start speaking for you on salary increases, pension arrangements, etc.”

His remarks added a new dimension to the ongoing training initiative, which has already been widely acknowledged as one of the most comprehensive multi-agency capacity-building programmes in Nigeria, bringing together personnel from the police, military, paramilitary, and state security outfits.

Providing insight into the intellectual framework of the programme, one of the lead facilitators, Dr. Wale Adeagbo, emphasised that the training was deliberately structured to address real operational gaps rather than theoretical assumptions. “The approach of this training is based on the need to refocus on the capacity and capability of men that will drive the system and processes. Further, the decision to know what to train does not follow a topdown approach rather it covers the gaps and lapses that the agencies have identified to ensure that their men and officers perform better. I believe that if we are able to measure the metrics of what the security situation in Lagos is before and after these trainings, it will be a huge plus to the leadership of Dr. Ayo Ogunsan and the entire team at LSSTF,” he said.

Another facilitator, Prof. Sola Akinrinade reinforced the importance of translating knowledge into action. “I always tell participants who come for training that the essence is not just for knowledge but for applications. When you get back to your office, how do you engage with the lessons you have learned and how do you communicate it so that other officers can also come along with you to get it done,” the professor noted.

Across the training sessions, participants from various agencies shared personal reflections that underscored the programme’s broad impact ranging from their operational efficiency and inter-agency collaboration to personal well-being and emotional intelligence.

A naval officer, SLT. Oshiro described the training as transformative. “It has been educative and informative for me. From my mental health to physical health to food to working with my men and also to work hand-in-hand with other agencies and how to address them when we meet. I appreciate LSSTF for organizing this.”

For ASP Isaac Hundeyin, a police officer, the emphasis on collaboration stood out. “My take home is on the importance of collaboration and synergy in order to deliver our mandate to Lagosians. It addresses our health, finances, and friction among officers. I want to tell LSSTF to keep up the good work.”

An officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service, DSI Isioye Olaide Esther, highlighted the programme’s holistic approach. “I have learned that we should take care of our health and that financial intelligence is key because we need money to take care of ourselves and plan for our future. We should work as one and not compete to achieve success. I say thank you to LSSTF.”

From the Nigerian Correctional Service, Gender Desk officer, Florence Odenia described the experience as exceptional. “The training is very impactful and one of the best that I have attended as an officer. I am happy to be here,” she said.

A Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency operative, Shittu Ibrahim, pointed to a shift in mindset. “My mental reasoning has changed in these two days. Some of the things that look confusing to us have been clarified. I want to appreciate the LSSTF for the calibre of lecturers that they brought to train us. I want to thank my agency, LNSA, for bringing me forward to have this kind of training.”

Similarly, Awotungase Adelaja of LASTMA stressed the importance of emotional intelligence in enforcement. “This training has made me to know that I should be able to control my emotions while exercising power because of the duty that I have to perform on the road. I must put empathy. My emotions must not control my decisions.”

Other participants echoed similar sentiments. Adejumo Stephen of LAGESC/KAI noted, “I have several take-homes but I will say that I have learned more on how to relate with people more professionally.”

DRC Joseph Enti of the FRSC added, “The take-home for me is the synergy and collaboration among security agencies and I can see that there is this feeling from this training that we are working together for a common goal.”

Meanwhile, Isaac Ayejuyomi of LASEMA said, “I have learned that I need to prioritize my health because without sound health, there is no way I can discharge my duties effectively. I also learned synergy with other stakeholders to achieve a common goal and key into the agenda of Mr. Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. I want LSSTF to do more of this.”

A notable highlight of the two-day programme was the emphasis on discipline and excellence, as Ogunsan rewarded outstanding participants with cash prizes of N50,000 each to eight officers recognised for punctuality, and an additional N50,000 to one participant for exceptional engagement throughout the training.

With the emerging advocacy, the CEO of LSSTF Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan is placing not just tools in the hands of operatives, but also giving voice to their realities in a bid to build a more resilient and people-centred security system.

Nestlé Nigeria is celebrating 15 years of impact with the graduation of twenty young trainees from the Flowergate Technical Training Centre. This milestone reinforces the company’s long-standing commitment to youth empowerment through the development of technical and vocational skills among young Nigerians.

The Nestlé Technical Training Centre is part of Nestlé Needs YOUth, Nestlé’s global youth initiative launched in 2013 to equip young people with skills, experience, and opportunities to access meaningful employment, with a goal of reaching 10 million youths worldwide by 2030.

Since its establishment in 2011 at Agbara Factory, the Nestlé Technical Training Centre has equipped 309 young Nigeri ans with hands-on technical and vocational skills across its three locations in Agbara, Flowergate, and Abaji. With an investment of over ₦6 billion, the programme delivers an intensive 18-month curriculum that combines theoretical learning with practical engineering training.

The curriculum provides comprehensive instruction in food technology, engineering, and manufacturing operations, equipping trainees with the technical expertise required to thrive in today’s industrial environment. This culminates in the internationally recognized City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification, significantly enhancing participants’ employability within Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria, emphasized the alignment of the initiative with Nestlé’s core purpose “At Nestlé, our purpose is to unlock the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone today and for generations to come. It is this purpose that drives initiatives such as this. Through the Nestlé Technical Training Centre, we are investing in the future of our industry, our communities, and the thousands of talented young Nigerians ready to grow and excel. Over the past 15 years, we have seen firsthand how this pipeline of talent has strengthened our operations, built critical capabilities within the industry, and created meaningful pathways for young people to thrive. We remain firmly committed to continuing this journey, expanding opportunities, deepening impact, and empowering the next generation of skilled professionals who will shape the future of our industry and our nation’’

The Country Human Resource Manager Shakiru Lawal, highlighted Nestle’s broader impact of the Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative under “At Nestlé, our youth development work across Central and West Africa is guided by a simple belief: unlocking potential through skills, opportunity, and real pathways to work. Through structured training, apprenticeships, and strong industry partnerships, we are helping young people build the skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce while also strengthening the future of our industry. In Nigeria, this commitment comes to life through the Nestlé Technical Training Centres. With an impressive 98% of graduates moving into employment within Nestlé, the programme has become a key talent pipeline for the business. Most importantly, it reflects our purpose of creating shared value through industry knowledge, practical skills, and meaningful job opportunities.

In his speech, the valedictorian of the graduating set, Mr. Samuel Oladokun, spoke on behalf of his fellow graduates, sharing a powerful testimony of the programme’s impact “This training has gone far beyond building our technical skills. It has shaped our discipline, strengthened our confidence, and prepared us in a real and practical way for for us to perform in demanding industrial environments. As graduates, we are leaving this Centre not only with technical competence, but also with a stronger sense of responsibility, teamwork, and professionalism. We are grateful for the opportunity we have been given, and we step forward with confidence, ready to contribute meaningfully, grow in our careers, and make a positive impact wherever we find ourselves.”

His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, who was ably represented at the event commended the initiative for its positive impact on local communities and reaffirmed the support of the community in sustaining such developmental programmes.

Professor Abayomi Adelaja Arigbabu, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Ogun State, also commended Nestlé Nigeria for its continued support of government efforts in youth empowerment and skills development.

Other distinguished guests present at the ceremony included Regional Human Resource Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, Antoinette Arkoh, Hon Wasiu Isiaka
Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Ogun State, Ms. Conny Camenzind, Consul General of Switzerland as well as representatives from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), and the Alliance for Youth initiative. They commended the progress of the programme and reaffirmed their continued support for its success.

The Nestlé Technical Training Initiative remains a key pillar of Nestlé Needs YOUth in Nigeria, a global initiative focused on capacity building for young people. Other programmes under this umbrella include the Nestlé Nigeria Youth Development Programme, Nesternship, and the Alliance for YOUth, all aimed at improving employability and creating opportunities for young Nigerians to thrive.

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have attacked a commercial bus operated by GUO Transport along the Benn-Ore expressway, killing the driver and abducting several passengers in what underscores Nigeria’s deepening insecurity on major highways.

Reports indicate that the assailants ambushed the South East-bound vehicle, opened fire on the driver, who died at the scene, and subsequently whisked away passengers to an unknown destination.

The incident is believed to have occurred along a notorious stretch of the highway linking the South-West to the South-South, long plagued by banditry and abductions.

While official confirmation from security agencies is expected, local sources and a circulating video showed that passengers might have forcefully been taken into nearby forests, a tactic commonly employed by kidnapping syndicates operating along the corridor. Similar attacks in the past have involved mass abductions, with victims later released after ransom payments.