Personality in Focus
We Have Grown to Be a Brand in 33 Years – Lagos FRSC Sector Commander, Ogungbemide
…says media is indispensable
The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Command, Olusegun Ogungbemide has said that the establishment of FRSC as an elite corps 33 years ago has significantly imparted on mitigating carnages and crashes on Nigerian roads.
While given his scorecard on Friday during a courtesy visit by the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) led by its President, Mr. Samson Oki and other Executive members said “we have grown to become a brand in the last 33 years and as such we are the lead agency in road Safety.
“In 33 years of our existence, we have celebrated deaths enough but grateful we have been able to save lives enormously.
“At the point of establishment, FRSC was rated as elite corps and we have been able to replicate that in all of our responsibilities. Your coming is timely especially as we celebrate our 33 years of existence and we are grateful for that. We have been rated first as far as world standard is concerned.
“Other African countries see us as a model in road Safety management and have constantly come here to learn from us and copy our model.
While commending the Corp Marshall, Dr Oyeyemi Boboye for his foresight and dexterity in managing the corps that has led to tremendous progress, reduction of accidents, crashes and deaths, added that the Corp Marshall knew the mindset of the founding fathers of the corps.
“Our Corp Marshall is media savvy and whatever we do as an organization, if it is not projected by the media, there is hardly what is known in the public domain. FRSC is a product of the media but not oblivious of the fact that the media can make or mar you if you are not careful,” Ogungbemide reiterated.
While appreciating the invaluable contributions of the media, Ogungbemide pointed out that under his command, he would continue to collaborate and carry the media along in its programmes.
“When I go out for enforcement, I can only tackle 10% of the problems but one sentence from the media can reach millions of the publics. We are ready to collaborate with you because our aim is to reduce crashes by 15% and fatality by 20%.
“I met an indefatigable predecessor and we have brought in different innovations in terms of managing accidents especially at the Kara Bridge, which before now, was notorious for sundry truck crashes. We don’t have trucks falling and killing people there again.”
Apart from building the capacity of his men as part of his achievements since assuming the office as the Sector Commander, Ogungbemide pointed out that since repair works began at the 3rd Mainland Bridge, his men have been able to manage the traffic as well as cohere with other traffic management agencies like the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) and Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS).
Admitting that FRSC has not been a perfect organization devoid of some bad eggs, Ogungbemide explained that they have done everything possible to keep its personnel above board as they have maintained “zero tolerance” in discipline and ensured that every possible malfeasances are put under stringent check.
On his part, while commending the FRSC family for their ingenuity and innovativeness, the President of NAOSNP, Mr Samson Oki eulogized the corps for its responsiveness to the calls by Nigerians which has significantly reduced carnages and deaths on our road.
“Your 33 years of existence is not a fluke. We would continue to support you through our unbiased, intelligent reports of your activities. However, we use this opportunity to solicit for the inclusion of our members as Special Corp Marshall.
Soliciting for NAOSNP’s support to tackle drug use and alcoholism among drivers at the motor park as they abuse sachet gins, the Sector Intelligence Officer, SRC Victor Okelola said, “help us sensitize the public about the use of alcohol by drivers and the youths. This is one of the causes of accidents on our roads.
While thanking the Security News Publishers for their visit, the Sector Head of Operation, DCC Cyril Matthew said, “Media is the flagship of any political economy. If the country excel, it is because people are well informed. FRSC has never looked down on the media hence we appeal for your collaborative assistance. We are most grateful for your felicitations with us on our anniversary,” he reiterated.
Other FRSC officers present were the Head of Transport Standardization Organization,
ACC Aderemi Malomo; Head of Motor Vehicle Administration Agency, ACC Edith Eluka; Deputy Public Relations Officer, DRC Jesutomipe Mala; Protocol 1,
DRC Maureen Anyanmekaa and Protocol 11, ARC Ayoola Rebecca.
On the part of NAOSNP were the Advisory Board Member, Mr Okosun Dennis, Deputy Public Relations Officer, Theresa Moses, Mr Eric Elezuo and Mr Abbey Omotosho.
By NOMA
The Nigerian Online Media Alliance (NOMA) has celebrated Mr. Olakunle Aderinokun on his 55th birthday, describing him as a distinguished strategic communications expert and media professional whose nearly three-decade career continues to shape Nigeria’s communications and business landscape.
In a statement by Theresa Moses, Chairperson, NOMA highlighted Aderinokun’s current role as Head, Media and Public Relations at Access Holdings Plc, where he leads group-wide media strategy, executive communications, crisis management, and corporate reputation positioning across local and international markets.
The Alliance noted that his ability to align corporate narratives with business strategy, stakeholder expectations, and regulatory realities has strengthened institutional credibility and public trust.
Aderinokun’s career reflects a unique blend of journalism, financial services, and corporate leadership. He spent 24 years at THISDAY Newspapers, rising to the position of Group Business Editor and Associate Editor, where he played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s business journalism ecosystem. He later served as Editor, Business at ARISE News Channel, further consolidating his reputation for editorial excellence and impactful storytelling.
Throughout his journalism career, he covered critical sectors including banking, capital markets, energy, aviation, and macroeconomics, engaging directly with top policymakers, regulators, and corporate leaders. His extensive international exposure includes participation in global platforms such as the IMF-World Bank Meetings, African Development Bank Meetings, TICAD in Japan, the Nigeria-China Business Forum, Africa Oil Week in Cape Town, and Vaasa Energy Week in Finland.
Beyond journalism, Aderinokun brings strong financial and investment expertise, having worked with United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Wall Street Trust Company (now WSTC Financial Services), where he handled equity analysis, market research, and investment advisory. This foundation, NOMA noted, has enabled him to effectively bridge financial performance with strategic communication outcomes.
An entrepreneur, he founded Pure Synergy Ltd in 2013, a firm focused on reputation management and strategic communications, and later served as CEO of Excite Enterprise Ltd, an online business solutions platform.
In the public sector space, Aderinokun served as Media Adviser to Senator Tokunbo Abiru in 2020, where he led media strategy and publicity for the Lagos East Senatorial campaign, contributing to its successful outcome.
Academically, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics (Pure and Applied) from the University of Ilorin and an MBA from the University of Lagos, complemented by executive education at Lagos Business School and professional training with the World Bank Institute, NIPR, and Standard Bank Group, South Africa. He also holds multiple professional certifications across public relations, banking, marketing, and digital communications.
NOMA described him as a quintessential, multifaceted professional whose career embodies excellence, innovation, and leadership.
“Olakunle Aderinokun represents the very best of strategic communication and media practice in Nigeria. His journey is not only inspiring but also instructive for the next generation of professionals navigating the evolving media and corporate landscape,” the statement read.
As he marks his 55th birthday, NOMA commended his enduring contributions and wished him continued success, good health, and greater accomplishments in the years ahead.
The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, has congratulated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on the occasion of his birthday, commending his visionary leadership and reform-driven approach to policing in Nigeria.
In his birthday remarks, Dr. Ogunsan described the IGP as a “distinguished officer whose career has consistently reflected professionalism, courage, and a deep commitment to public safety.”
He noted that since assuming office as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police early this Year 2026, Disu has demonstrated a clear resolve to reposition the Nigeria Police Force towards greater efficiency and public trust.
Dr. Ogunsan particularly praised the IGP’s emphasis on intelligence-led policing, a strategy aimed at enhancing proactive crime detection and prevention, as well as his push for the integration of digital tools and forensic capabilities into police operations. These reforms, he said, signal a shift towards modern, accountable, and citizen-focused policing.
He further highlighted Disu’s decisive steps to strengthen the state policing agenda and officers’ welfare. He praised him for the effective policing model through the restructuring and reduction of tactical units, a move designed to address concerns over excesses while redeploying personnel to police divisions for improved community-level security.
The LSSTF boss also acknowledged the IGP’s consistent advocacy for discipline, integrity, and professionalism within the Force, noting that such values are critical to restoring public confidence and enhancing institutional credibility.
Reflecting on his track record, Dr. Ogunsan recalled Disu’s impactful leadership roles across key commands, including the Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory Commands, where he contributed significantly to crime control and intelligence-driven operations.
His tenure as the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos is a testament to his operational excellence and urban crime management.
Ogunsan wished the IGP good health, wisdom, and continued success in his efforts to build a more secure Nigeria. “On this special occasion, we celebrate not only a remarkable leader but a reformer whose vision continues to inspire confidence in the security architecture of our nation,” Ogunsan said.
Terrorists in northeast Nigeria killed a brigadier general in an assault on a military base, a local government chairman told AFP on Thursday, the second killing of a high-ranking officer in five months.
Africa’s most populous country has been fighting a terrorist insurgency for 17 years, since Boko Haram’s 2009 uprising, which has seen the emergence of powerful splinter groups, including Islamic State West Africa Province.
In an overnight attack, unidentified terrorists killed at least 18 soldiers and torched vehicles at a base in Benisheikh, about 75 kilometres from Borno state capital Maiduguri, an intelligence source told AFP.
“Unfortunately, the brigade commander, Brigadier General O.O. Braimah, lost his life,” Kaga Local Government Chairman Zannah Lawan Ajimi told AFP in a phone interview.
Two intelligence sources confirmed Braimah’s death to AFP.
His death follows the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba by ISWAP in November. He was the highest-ranking military official to die in the long-running conflict since 2021.
“They overran the brigade,” one of the intelligence sources said, giving the death toll as “at least” 18.
The second intelligence source said that “the terrorists killed several troops” and “burnt vehicles and buildings before they withdrew,” without giving a toll.
The army and Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
– Rising terrorist violence –
Researchers have warned of an uptick of violence since 2025.
Borno capital Maiduguri has seen two suicide bombings since December — the type of bloody, urban attacks reminiscent of the insurgency’s peak a decade ago.
On Wednesday, the US State Department said in a notice it was authorising “non-emergency US government employees” to leave Abuja “due to the deteriorating security situation”.
While the insurgency is concentrated in the northeastern countryside, terrorists from Nigeria and the neighbouring Sahel have made inroads western Nigeria, where organised crime gangs known as “bandits” have been raiding villages and extorting farmers and artisanal miners for years.
Gunmen killed at least 90 people across several remote villages in northwest Nigeria this week, according to an AFP tally of tolls given by local and humanitarian sources.
Among the attacks was an assault in Kebbi state that police blamed a local terrorist group known as Mahmuda, which is affiliated with Al-Qaeda.
Kebbi sits on Nigeria’s border with Benin and Niger and since 2025 has been targeted by a rising number of terrorist attacks.
Conflict monitor ACLED says there has been a surge in violence in the area carried out by militants affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.
In nearby Kwara state, in October, fighters from the Al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM claimed an attack after years of researchers warning that the terrorist conflict ravaging the Sahel risked spreading south towards coastal West African states.
In December, the United States, with Nigerian assistance, bombed northwest Sokoto state, targeting Islamic State Sahel Province fighters usually found in neighbouring Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso.
AFP
