Personality in Focus
One Step to Diamond: NAOSNP Celebrates Prolific IGP Egbetokun at 59
In furtherance of his zeal to re-engineer the security architecture of the nation as escapitulated in his inauguration speech as follows, “Security shall be the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence,” President Bola Tinubu, appointed Kayode Egbetokun as the acting Inspector General of Police. His job was simple; restore the dignity of the Police as well as public confidence and safeguard the lives and property of Nigeria. It is with confidence that we can attest that just three months after his appointment, the supercop is doing just that.
The erstwhile Deputy Inspector General of Police, who led the police force’s Criminal Investigations Department in Abuja, and hails from Ogun State, can be said to be a thoroughbred bred even as he clocks 59 years today, just one more step to strike diamond. Consequently, the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) is rolling out the drums in celebration of an accomplished, focused and goal oriented public servant, who has given his all in the service of the nation.
Egbetokun was born on September 4, 1964 in Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area, Ogun State.
A proud 1987 Mathematics graduate of the University of Lagos, Egbetokun enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet ASP (Course 16) on March 3, 1990. He also has a Master’s degree in Engineering Analysis and Business Administration from the same university, which he obtained in 1996 as well as a postgraduate diploma in Petroleum Economics from Delta State University in 2000, and an MBA from Lagos State University, Ojo in 2004. He also holds a PhD in Peace and Security Studies from Al-hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State.
A lover of education, he attended the Global Conference on Chemical Security and Emerging Threats held in Lyon France in 2018 and trained in several other professional courses. Egbetokun is a mobile stream of knowledge.
He had served meritorously in various locations and capabilities before berthing as the nation’s number one police officer. He served as police Area Commander in Osogbo, Osun State and Gusau, Zamfara State. From 1999 to 2005, he was a former chief security officer to former governor of lagos state, Bola Tinubu, who is now the president of Nigeria.
He also served as the Commander of Rapid Response Squad, Lagos; Squadron Commander, Mopol 5, Benin, Benin City; Officer-in-Charge, Anti-Fraud Unit, FCT Command, Abuja; and Chief Superintendent of Police, Administration, Lagos State Command Headquarters, Ikeja.
Mr Egbetokun is a former police commissioner in Kwara State and was an AIG in charge of Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja.
He is a Member of the Society for Peace and Security Practice and a scholar in Peace and Security Studies
Mr Egbetokun loves reading and plays table tennis and recreational football.
We, at NAOSNP, recognise your positive accomplishments in your career trajectory, and felicitate with you as you clock 59 today.
Congratulations sir!
Eric Elezuo
National Public Relations Officer
For: Samson Oki – President
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.
