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INSECURITY: SANWO-OLU, SOUTH-WEST STAKEHOLDERS PUSH FOR INDIGENOUS SOLUTIONS, TECHNOLOGY, STATE POLICING
•Senate holds Zonal Security Meeting in Lagos, seeks collaboration to address insecurity
The Governor of Lagos State and Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and stakeholders across security agencies, government, civil society, and traditional institutions on Friday renewed calls for the adoption of indigenous security solutions, advanced technology, and state policing as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s escalating security challenges.
The stakeholders spoke unanimously on the need to tackle insecurity across the country during the South-West Zonal Security Summit, organised by the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on National Security, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, held in Ikeja, on Friday.
The summit, attended by Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan; South-West states representatives; members of the Senate led by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru; serving and former public office holders; heads of security agencies; members of civil society organisations; and traditional, religious and political leaders, provided a platform for stakeholders in the South-West to discuss practical approaches to improving national security.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security systems in Lagos State. He also called for a regional security framework, noting that security is essential not only for peace but also for economic stability.
He said: “As governors of this region, we must reaffirm our commitment to a regional security framework, which includes transforming Amotekun into a more unified, well-equipped, technology-driven command that can facilitate cross-state intelligence sharing and joint operations. Our traditional institutions – our Obas and community leaders – must remain central to this framework, as no one knows the heartbeat of local communities better than they do.
“Security is not just about keeping the peace; it is about ensuring our economic survival. When insecurity disrupts markets, farmlands, transportation, and investment, our GDP takes a hit, livelihoods crumble, and growth stalls. A region that cannot promise safety cannot promise prosperity either. That is why our strategy needs to be proactive, driven by intelligence, and deeply embedded in community involvement.
“We need to strengthen our early-warning systems, enhance surveillance capabilities, and maintain open lines of communication with youth groups, farmers, transport unions, and local vigilante networks, all while renewing our partnership with civil society.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu pledged the full cooperation of the Lagos State Government with the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee, saying his administration is willing to collaborate closely with neighbouring states, royal leaders, and all security agencies to secure the present and protect the future of the South-West.
In his opening remark, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, who is the Chairman of the South-West geopolitical zone interactive hearings of the 10th Senate’s ad-hoc committee on the National Security Summit, noted that the summit was part of a nationwide exercise taking place simultaneously across the six geopolitical zones.
He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration among all stakeholders to tackle insecurity effectively. “While the South-West has not experienced the full brunt of terrorism as in some other regions, the rise in banditry, kidnapping, and violent crimes across our states is deeply troubling.
“Our villages and farmlands have come under increasing threat; farmer-herder clashes have been on the increase, our highways have seen more daring incidents, and the disturbing spread of armed groups such as the reported Lakurawa incursion into parts of Kwara and Kogi underscores the urgent need for proactive measures. If decisive action is not taken, the danger could spill fully into the South-West geo- political zone.
“We must not allow the South-West to become a sanctuary for criminality or a battleground for those who seek to destabilise our nation. We must use every resource – human, material and technological – to defend our communities.
“No effort is too small in the quest to secure the South West Zone and our nation. Security is a collective responsibility. We must build trust, stay vigilant, and report suspicious activities promptly to our community leaders and security agencies,” he said.
Senator Abiru also urged the media to see the fight against insecurity as a national duty, noting that “We must promote narratives that strengthen unity, inspire confidence, and avoid framing our national challenges along ethnic or religious lines. Let us strive to paint a positive and reassuring picture of our country.”
Also speaking, Senator Ibrahim Jimoh, representing Ondo South and sponsor of the bill establishing the National Security Summit, stated that terrorism and insurgency require non-conventional approaches involving both military and civilian efforts.
Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East, also called for collaborative efforts by all stakeholders to address insecurity in Nigeria.
During his presentation, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, noted that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s provision of logistics and other essential assistance has significantly boosted police and safety agencies in the state.
He emphasised the need to sustain the current momentum, noting that security challenges are often local and require local solutions.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Alara of Ilara in Epe, Lagos, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, advocated community policing, the use of modern technology, a joint task force comprising all security agencies, expanded police recruitment, increased funding, better equipment and more employment opportunities to limit youth restiveness and associated threats.
He said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had intensified collaboration with international partners but noted that weak structures at the grassroots continued to derail progress.
On his part, the Aare Onakankanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, maintained that state policing remains a key solution to tackling insecurity nationwide.
Also speaking, representatives of civil society organisations, women, youths, and Christian and Islamic leaders also called for improved welfare packages for security operatives to motivate them to diligently discharge their duties without fear or favour.
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Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”
He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.
He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.
“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
The former minister said his resignation was to enable him focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, citing provisions of the amended electoral law.
He added, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.”
“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”
Adelabu’s exit marks a major political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest the governorship election.
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Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency
The Presidency has clarified that Wale Edun (former Finance Minister) and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (former Housing Minister) voluntarily resigned from their positions and were not sacked by President Tinubu.
In a statement released this evening April 22, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said that contrary to public opinions, Wale Edun resigned on health grounds while Dangiwa also tendered his resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.
Onanuga stated that Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future” he wrote
Onanuga stated that on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa and held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.
The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.
‘’In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.
President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation” the statement concluded
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Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience
Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.
The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.
In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.
He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”
The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.
Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.
“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”
Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.
“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”
The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.
By hosting the webinar, Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.
The initiative underscores the Bank’s broader strategic focus on environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to financial inclusion.
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