Metro
Zone 2 Command Holds Christmas Carol, Assures Residents of Safe, Secure Yuletide Celebrations
The Nigeria Police Zone 2 Command on Tuesday hosted its annual Christmas Carol and End-of-Year party in a show of gratitude accompanied by inter-agency unity. The event that blended worship and reflection was held at the Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) can report.
Tagged “Peace and Joy to the World,” the event drew senior security officials, community leaders, transport unions, civil society groups, religious leaders and the media. It also featured the presentation of appreciation awards to stakeholders whose collaboration with the Police has strengthened security architecture in the Zone comprising Lagos and Ogun States.
The event featured the Command’s choristers and other invited groups performing songs to celebrate the yuletide season with appreciation to God.
The Carol Service commenced with the host choristers, offering the first song, followed by St. John’s Church Choir Falomo.
AIG Fayoade Adegoke read the first Bible reading while Deputy Corps Commander, DCC Umar Bamaiyi, representing the FRSC Zonal Commander, ACM Ann Oladapo took the second Bible reading.
AIG Fayoade asked the audiences to observed a minute silence in honour of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Speaking at the event, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, assured Nigerians that the Police had put robust measures in place to ensure a peaceful festive season, stressing that 2025 would not be fundamentally different from previous years in terms of policing strategy.
“As you all know, in policing, we prepare for challenges. We prepare for situations. And all that we need to do is to put the act together and make sure that the situation is brought to life,” Fayoade said.
He noted that despite the peculiar security and traffic challenges associated with the Ember months, proactive policing had already been yielding results. “I must tell you frankly that the measures we put in place have drastically reduced the rate of crime, the rate of accidents and other fatalities on the road,” he stated, adding,
“I’m assuring you that all through this period, crimes and criminal activities will be brought under very minimal control.”
While acknowledging that isolated incidents could still occur due to increased in human traffic during the holidays, the AIG maintained that flashpoints had been identified and secured.
“But generally, the area is very safe and secure. It’s going to be totally crime-free all through this period,” he assured.
Fayoade also anchored his message on faith, attributing operational success to divine guidance. “Without God, you can’t do anything. Once you put God in everything you do, definitely you will be successful.”
Representing the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Head of Policy, Research and Statistics, DCC Umar Bamaiyi representing and spoke on behalf of the Zonal Commanding Officer, ACM Ann R. Oladayo. He underscored the long-standing synergy between the FRSC and the Nigeria Police. “The AIG has been a father, just like the Nigeria Police has been a father to the Federal Road Safety Corps. We work together,” Bamaiyi said. He stressed that road safety cannot thrive without security, noting that both agencies “go pari-passu,” particularly during the festive rush.
Issuing a strong public safety message, Bamaiyi warned against reckless driving, especially by inexperienced drivers. “If you drink, don’t drive. And if you fall asleep, don’t drive also,” he said, adding that safety is a shared responsibility that must start from homes and workplaces.
One of the award recipients, a transport union leader, Alhaji Shehu Riliwan Olawale Yekini, expressed deep appreciation for the special recognition award by the Zone 2 Command. “I’m really happy to receive this special award from the entire Nigeria Police. This is amazing,” he said.
He called on Nigerians, especially the youths, to support law enforcement and embrace lawful conduct. “We just have to collaborate with the Police to ensure safety and security across the country. Security is very important,” Yekini said.
The event, attended by dignitaries including the wife of the AIG, Mrs. Fayoade, and representatives of sister agencies like Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC, DCC Umar Bamaiyi and Representative of Nigerian Immigration Service NIS, ACP Tokunbo Abaniwonda, ACP Veronica Ameh-Akpa, ACP Onyin Frances, Barr. Micheal Enyinnaya among others, closed with carols, prayers and renewed commitments to peace, collaboration and national stability.
The Federal government has declared Friday, May 1, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated workers nationwide, commending their commitment and contributions to national development.
He noted that the dedication of Nigerian workers remains vital to the country’s growth and economic progress, urging them to sustain values of patriotism, productivity and diligence.
Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, enhancing security and creating an enabling environment for economic expansion.
He called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the celebration, encouraging citizens to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in nation-building.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed concern over the rising pressure on workers’ welfare and economic conditions of the country.
The Congress warned that it would embark on nationwide protest, if there is no improvement.
The warning was conveyed in in a communiqué jointly signed by the TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro, at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The Congress said the NEC meeting reviewed the state of the nation, developments within the congress, preparations for the 2026 May Day celebration, and other critical issues affecting Nigerian workers.
“The prevailing economic hardship has significantly affected the living standards of Nigerian workers, making daily survival increasingly difficult.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, and if there is no improvement, the congress will have no option but to mobilise workers in defence of their welfare.
“Government must urgently take concrete steps to address the rising cost of living and restore confidence in the economy,” it said.
The Congress said rising fuel prices, inflation, electricity tariff increases and insecurity had combined to erode workers’ purchasing power and living standards.
It noted that global developments, including the Iran–U.S. conflict, were further worsening economic pressures through higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions.
According to the TUC, Nigerian workers have not benefited from higher global oil prices but continue to face rising costs of transportation, food and essential services.
It urged the Federal Government to deploy excess crude revenue to cushion economic shocks and support vulnerable citizens.
The congress also called for urgent measures to stabilise fuel prices, improve electricity supply, and address insecurity nationwide.
It emphasised the need for policies that promote decent work, job security and social protection.
“The government must prioritise the welfare, dignity and security of Nigerian workers in all policy decisions,” it said.
The TUC further called for tax relief for manufacturing companies and workers to ease economic pressure and stimulate productivity.
On electricity, it condemned repeated tariff increases without improved service delivery and demanded fair pricing, universal metering, and an end to estimated billing.
The congress expressed concern over rising insecurity, describing it as a major threat to economic activities and workers’ safety.
It urged government at all levels to adopt coordinated, intelligence-driven strategies to protect lives, farms, businesses and critical infrastructure.
“A stitch in time saves nine,” the communiqué added.
A small-scale grocery seller from Plateau State, Ejiofor Akujieze, has emerged the grand prize winner of ₦5 million in the Golden Morn Golden Hunt, a nationwide consumer campaign by Nestlé Nigeria that rewarded Nigerians with a total of ₦80 million in cash and prizes.
Akujieze, who expressed surprise at his win, described the moment as life-changing. “It came as a shock to me. I won ₦5 million, and it will go a long way. I am very grateful,” he said, noting that the prize will support the expansion of his grocery business.
The Golden Morn Golden Hunt, which commenced in January 2026, recorded strong participation from consumers across the country, with over 200,000 entries received. Designed around Golden Morn’s smaller, affordable pack sizes to encourage wider participation, the campaign made it easier for more Nigerians to take part. At the end of seven draws, a total of 16,324 winners emerged, receiving cash prizes ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦1 million, alongside airtime rewards and exciting items such as washing machines, MacBooks, iPhones, and 55-inch televisions, in addition to the grand prize.
Speaking on the campaign, Omofasa Orhiunu, Category Manager, Healthy Cereals at Nestlé Nigeria, said the initiative was designed to connect more closely with consumers while giving them an opportunity to experience the brand.
“Golden Morn has been part of everyday life for Nigerian families, and with the Golden Hunt, we wanted more people to experience that,” he said. “It gave both our loyal consumers and new ones the opportunity to enjoy a nourishing product that fits into their daily routines, while also being rewarded in a simple and accessible way.”
Also speaking, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, said the campaign reflects the company’s commitment to creating value for consumers beyond its products.
“For over 40 years, Golden Morn has been nourishing Nigerian families and earning their trust,” he said. “The Golden Hunt was our way of recognising that trust and giving back in a way that is meaningful and inclusive. What has been most inspiring are the real stories behind the wins, how this has made a difference in people’s lives. That is what truly matters to us.”
Golden Morn, a cherished homegrown brand, continues to provide wholesome nourishment made from carefully selected grains. It is enriched through its Grain Smart blend, which combines essential vitamins and minerals to support energy and overall wellbeing for individuals and families.
Through initiatives like the Golden Hunt, Nestlé Nigeria continues to strengthen its connection with consumers while delivering on its commitment to providing accessible, nutritious food and supporting thriving communities across the country.
