Personality in Focus
Sanwo-Olu, Osoba, Yahaya, Nwachukwu, Baba, Audi, Others Headline NAOSNP 2022 Security Conference
The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) has concluded plans to host this year’s annual Security Conference with the theme, Crime Prevention and Intelligence: Institutionalizing Citizen Participation, Technology and Way Forward.
According to a statement signed by the Association’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Eric Elezuo, the event comes up on September 21, 2022 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island with prominent security experts and strategists lined up to dish out the best of security lectures.
Addressing the press on the forthcoming event, the President of the Association, Mr. Samson Oki, said that “this year’s conference topic was drawn against the backdrop that our security agencies are grossly stretched to their limit. They cannot handle the enormous challenge of crime prevention and intelligence gathering alone. The citizens within the country, the citizens in the Diaspora, the international community, and technological innovation must be called into the task of ensuring territorial integrity and maintenance of peace and order in our dear nation Nigeria.
“When banditry, insurgency, abduction, robbery etc. occurs it doesn’t only affect the citizenry, it weakens the military and paramilitary agencies, too.
He maintained that “The security agencies, therefore, must infuse appropriate practices and measures which demonstrate to the citizenry that their inputs are needed and will dispel fears from their hearts. The citizenry has to be assured that their intelligence, information, and input will not lead to reprisals. Agencies must also begin to fully deploy the immense advantages which technological innovation affords us in the 21st century. This is the basis of the interaction between the people and security agencies which the NAOSNP Annual Security Conference 2022 seek to engender.
“The high-profile media national event will gather eminent stakeholders from the security sector, captain of industries, entrepreneurs, government functionaries, corporate business managers, ICT and media executives,” Oki added.
On the line up of dignitaries billed to grace the event are the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the Chief Host; former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, who will function as the Chairman of the day; Chief of Army Staff, General Farouk Yahaya, who will give the keynote address. Others are the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba; Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Comptroller General of Immigration, CG Idris Isah, former Military Governor of old Imo State, General Ike Nwachukwu; Board Member, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, and HRM Oba Suleiman A. Bamgbade as the Father of the Day.
The event will be anchored by popular standup comedian, Oluwaseyitan Aletile aka Seyi Law and radio girl, Dayo Anthony.
Also to feature during the Conference is a panel session where selected dignitaries will speak on salient and topical security issues as well as take remarks and questions from the audience.
The 2022 edition of the NAOSNP Security Conference is the third in the series. The first was held in 2020 while the second took place at the NECA House, Ikeja, in October 2021 with two former IGs, Mike Okiro and MD Abubakar as keynote speakers.
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.
