Personality in Focus
Surajudeen Olufemi Assumes Office As 22nd CP, Delta Command
CP Abaniwanda Surajudeen Olufemi has assumed duty as the 22nd Commissioner of Police, Delta State Police Command. The new CP took over from AIG Wale Abass, who has been transferred to Police Force Headquarters Abuja.
CP Abaniwonda Surajudeen Olufemi was born on the 22nd of February 1966 to the family of Mr. and mrs. M.A.R Abaniwanda. He hails from Epe LGA of Lagos State. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History in 1987, and a Master of Arts in Economics History, both from the prestigous University of Lagos in the year 1990.
He was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force as a member of Cadet ASP Course 17 on the 18th of March 1992. He attended the elite Police Academy Kaduna, and upon completion of training in the academy, was posted to Kogi State Police Command as a young Assistant Superintendent of Police in November 1995.
He has served in various capacities in the Police Force as follows;
The CP served as the 2 I/C Squadron Commander Police Mobile force (21PMF) in Jos from the year 1996, he also served as Squadron Commander at MOPOL 8 Jos from the year 2002-2005. From the year 2005 – 2014, he served as Divisional Police Officer at Kubwa Division, Gwarinpa Division, Karmo, Division, Lugbe Division, Garki Division, and Karshi Division and also the CSP DOPS FCT Police Command. As a trained officer of international standards, he was deployed for Peace Keeping Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2000, and was also in 2008 seconded as the Training Adviser at the United Nations’ Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL).
In 2015 he was posted to the Gwagwalada Area Command as the Area Commander, and in 2017 he was trasferred to Oyo State Command as the Area Commander Oyo Area Command. Upon his promotion to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police, he was tasked with the administrative duty at the Department of Operations Force Headquarters Abuja. Afterwards, he was transfered to Kogi state Command as the Deputy Commissioner of Police State Criminal Investigation Department. He was the immediate past Deputy Force Secretary at Force headquarters Abuja. He was promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Police January 2024 and deployed to Delta State as the 22nd Commissioner of Police of Delta State Command.
During the course of his service, he has attended the following courses:
i. Traffic Management Course, Police College Ikeja, November 1995
ii. Combat Operation Course, PMF Training School, Gwoza, April 2000
iii. APC Conversion Course, PMF Training School, Gwoza, March 2001
iv. Formed Unit Training, PMF Training School, Gwoza, July 2006
v. Induction Course at Police Staff College Jos (2005)
vi. Tactical Leadership and Command Course, Police Staff College, Jos, June 2008
vii. Strategic Leadership and Command Course, Police Staff College, Jos, November 2019.
He is a member of Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM)
CP Abaniwonda Surajudeen Olufemi is highly disciplined, detribalized officer; and has attended so many workshops and seminars both home and abroad.
His hobbies includes reading books, and sports. CP Abaniwonda Surajudeen Olufemi is happily married and blessed with lovely children.
While taking over from the out gone CP, the incoming CP promised to build on existing security mechanisms in place towards enthroning the reign of peace and safety in Delta State. He advised the public to always cooperate with the Police and other security agencies at all times, while tasking the youths not to allow themselves to be used as for any act of criminality.
In his handing over remarks, the outgoing Commissioner of Police, AIG. Wale Abass thanked the State Government and the people of the State for their cooperation while he was in-charge of the Command and urged them to extend the same cooperation to his successor.
CP. Abaniwonda Surajudeen Olufemi while addressing the press assures Deltans, residents and non-residents that the Command under his leadership will ensure that the State become uncomfortable for criminals.
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.
