Personality in Focus
Vanguard Personality Award: NAOSNP Celebrates Gov Sanwo-Olu
The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) has congratulated the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on winning the prestigious Vanguard Personality of the Year Award.
In a statement signed by the Association’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Eric Elezuo, NAOSNP described Sanwo-Olu as the best man for the award, citing his developmental efforts in Lagos, and more importantly his efforts at making Lagos a crime-free State.
The statement also revealed that the Association’s president, Mr Samson Oki, who was present at the event, is elated at Sanwo-Olu’s award, and highlighted the governor’s achievements, with special mention to the many assistance rendered to all security agents and law enforcement agents in the state. These include providing highly rated security equipment and also training for personnel.
“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s trajectory in governance is beyond the ordinary, and it is no surprise that many organisations, including colleagues in governance, have found in him a worthy companion in administrative convenience and in the provision of requisite dividends of democracy,” the statement said.
Recall that the Governor, who has spent only two years in the seat of power, was announced the personality of the year at the well attended Vanguard event held at the Eko Hotel and Suites weekend.
Responding, Sanwo-Olu, who dedicated the award to the people of Lagos State, disclosed that the award meant a lot to him as it would constantly remind him and his team to work harder for Lagosians.
“I feel highly honoured to receive the Vanguard Personality 2019/2020 by the Vanguard Newspapers Group. The awards means a lot to me. This prestigious award will be a constant reminder to me and my team to perform better to out do ourselves in the current year for efficient service delivery to the good people of Lagos State.”
He further reiterated his administration’s commitment to achieve the Greater Lagos vision in line with the THEMES agenda. He also thanked organisers of the award as well as the citizens for believing in the current administration, pledging that the government would not let them down.
“I wish to dedicate the awards to every Lagosian out there for believing in our administration’s vision of a Greater Lagos. We will not relent in our efforts to achieve this and other set goals along with our THEMES agenda.”
“My special thanks goes to the Vanguard Newspapers Group for the honour. Again, I thank Lagosians for standing by our government through the many phases since the beginning of the administration. Be assured that our best is yet to happen,” the governor said.
NAOSNP is an association of tested and trusted online publishers saddled with the responsibility of reporting researched, balanced and unadulterated security news.
The Association has received recognitions for its work from almost all security outfits operating in Lagos State and beyond.
Governor Sanwo-Olu was accompanied to the prestigious media award ceremony by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi; Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho; APC Lagos State Chairman, Mr. Tunde Balogun; Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Mrs Aramide Monsurat Adeyoye; Board Member, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan; Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu Fatai; Commissioner for Job Creation and Employment, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke among others.
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.
