The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to a security model rooted in the welfare and inclusion of its citizens, with effective information dissemination as a vital component.
This was delivered yesterday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, at the Gavel International Annual Lecture and Awards 2025.
Represented by the Director Strategy Centre, Kayode Oyekanmi, Omotoso stressed that safety and communication are crucial pillars supporting both good governance and people-focused security.
He emphasised the symbiotic relationship between safety and information, noting that “without safety, there will be no information to disseminate and, indeed, no meaningful human rights can exist.”
The commissioner defined genuine national security as going beyond law enforcement and border fortification, focusing instead on cultivating a society where people feel “safe, valued, and included.”
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He showcased the state’s implementation of this philosophy under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, noting the administration’s continuous investment in both security architecture and social welfare programmes.
Key security initiatives cited include the Smart City Surveillance Project, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, and proactive collaborations with various security agencies.
Furthermore, Omotoso highlighted the administration’s commitment to empowering vulnerable groups through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Office of Civic Engagement, and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, underscoring the “human face” that must be inherent in security policies.
“Communities should be involved in security conversations, promoting justice, and protecting the rights of those who cannot defend themselves,” he added.
Omotoso commended Gavel International for providing a platform for intellectual discourse and collaboration, urging participants to continue fostering conversations that lead to a nation that is both “secure and just.”
In his remarks, Mustapha Ogunsakin, Convener of Gavel International, echoed the sentiment, noting that national progress hinges on leadership that is both fair and empathetic.
He stressed the importance of dialogue that successfully integrates governance, security, and human rights.
