Personality in Focus
Otedola Donates N1bn to LSSTF
In a landmark move for public safety in Lagos, Nigerian business tycoon Femi Otedola, represented by his daughter Tolani Otedola, has contributed a hefty sum of N1 billion to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).
This act of generosity was acknowledged in a formal ceremony where the Governor of Lagos State was present to receive the donation, further cementing the synergy between the state’s public sector and private philanthropy.
The LSSTF, which has been a cornerstone in the provision of critical support to law enforcement agencies for nearly two decades, has benefited from Mr. Otedola’s consistent support, earning him the distinction of being the top individual contributor to the Fund.
Tolani Otedola, in her role at the event, underscored the LSSTF’s enduring contribution to the state’s security framework, and the Otedola family’s commitment to fostering a safe environment for all Lagosians.
Acknowledging the seamless and safe celebrations during the recent festive season, Tolani Otedola highlighted the LSSTF’s role in ensuring peace and security, a feat that was possible due to the diligent efforts of the security services, underpinned by the support from the Fund.
The donation comes with a clarion call to action for others in the community, as Mr. Otedola, through his daughter, urged Lagosians, especially those within the corporate and affluent sectors, to reflect on the value of contributing to the Fund.
He posited that such collective action is pivotal for the sustenance of security and prosperity in Lagos.
The presence of the Governor at this event, to personally receive the pledge, signifies the importance the state places on partnerships that enhance public welfare.
In her closing remarks, Tolani Otedola lauded the Governor and the LSSTF for their unwavering commitment to keeping Lagos safe and encouraged the Fund to continue its legacy of transparency and prudent management of resources.
This substantial endowment by the Otedola family not only addresses immediate security needs but also exemplifies the spirit of giving back to the community.
It reflects a growing trend of collaboration between the government and private citizens in tackling societal challenges.
As Lagos continues to grow as a major economic hub in Africa, such contributions are vital in ensuring that the city remains a safe and attractive destination for business and tourism.
The Otedola family’s donation not only provides immediate resources for security enhancements but also serves as a model for philanthropy in Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
Former Presidential Spokesperson, Doyin Okupe has reportedly passed away.
TheNewsGuru reports that the senior adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan and, recently, the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign died at 71, after a long struggle with cancer.
In October 2023, Okupe was hospitalized with prostate cancer and was flown to Israel for treatment.
However, it was learnt that his condition did not improve as expected.
Okupe had a history of prostate cancer, first diagnosed 16 years ago, and a later bout with sarcoma in his right shoulder.
Following his milestone achievements as Chairman of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), the Chairman/CEO of Executive Group, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan has been officially announced as the Patron of the Police advocacy initiative in Lagos State, National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.
The POCACOV is the Nigeria Police Force advocacy initiative to help young people avoid cultism and other vices. It uses advocacy, awareness, and sensitization to help young people avoid vices by conducting community outreaches to schools, inner cities, rural areas, and urban centres. It also helps to rehabilitate and reintegrate those who have been cut in the web of cultism, crimes, and social vices.
It would be recalled that Dr. Ayo Ogunsan took up the Chairmanship job about a year ago and was able to use his grand standing as the Board Member of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), prime supporter of security news beat association National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), and leadership of non-profit initiative, AKEM Foundation to champion his work and various impacting activities in the past one year. This is why POCACOV through its National Coordinator, ACP Olabisi Oluseyi Okuwobi on behalf of the Inspector General of Police announced his official elevation into the role of Patron of POCACOV in Lagos State.
The United Nations POLAC International Peace Advocate, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan expressed his gratitude to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun and the National Coordinator, ACP Okuwobi for the new role and promised to give direction to the new Chairman, Mr. Moses Oladimeji which will lead to improved performance of POCACOV in Lagos.
‘I will keep raiding our communities with love. We will give them food, shelter, etc. Police will do the Police work but I will do the policing of love’, Ogunsan affirmed.
This piece is contributed by Oki Samson
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Shamsedeen Ogunjimi as the new Accountant General of the Federation after a rigorous selection process.
A statement by Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga said his appointment, approved on Tuesday, takes effect from 7th March 2025, the same day the incumbent Oluwatoyin Madehin will retire.
Ogunjimi, 57, was first named as Madehin’s successor last December.
“A selection committee later chose him through a competitive, rigorous, and merit-based process involving Directors of Accounts in the Federal Civil Service. The committee conducted the process through three stages: a written assessment, an ICT proficiency test, and oral interviews.
“The selection process underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to promoting transparency, excellence, and competence in key public service positions,” the statement read in part.
Ogunjimi graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.
He also obtained a Master’s in Accounting and Finance from the University of Lagos.
He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.
President Tinubu congratulated Ogunjimi on his appointment, and urged him to discharge his duties in the service with integrity, professionalism, and dedication to Nigeria’s service.
