LAGOS – As preparations for Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration on October 1 ramps up, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olanrewaju Ishola Olawale, convened a critical stakeholders’ meeting to discuss security arrangements.
The meeting, held along with heads of other security agencies, aimed at ensuring public safety during the national event, which coincides with planned protests by various groups.
CP Olawale, who recently took office, expressed gratitude for the vital role the media, represented by the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), has played in keeping the public well-informed.
He recognised the press as an indispensable partner in fostering transparency, timely communication, and ultimately, effective policing.
Attendees at the meeting included student bodies, representatives from security agencies such as the Department of State Services (DSS), labour leaders, traditional rulers, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and journalists.
CP Olawale emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring the safety of citizens during the Independence Day festivities.
“The safety and security of all stakeholders during the Independence Day celebrations are paramount,” CP Olawale stated.
He assured the public that the Lagos State Police Command is fully committed to maintaining law and order while also protecting the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
However, he warned that any attempt to cause disruption or breach public peace would be swiftly and decisively addressed.
While encouraging protesters to conduct their activities within the boundaries of the law, CP Olawale stressed the importance of respecting the rights of others.
He also commended the harmonious relationship between the press and the police, particularly since he assumed office, and appealed for continued media support in accurately reporting on security matters.
“The collaboration between the media and the police has been crucial in promoting public safety,” CP Olawale remarked, underscoring that this relationship has significantly enhanced the police’s capacity to serve and protect Lagosians.
The Commissioner reassured residents that the Lagos State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, is fully prepared to safeguard all activities scheduled for October 1.
He encouraged Lagosians to carry on with their daily routines without fear, assuring them that comprehensive security measures had been implemented to prevent any potential disruptions.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with participants agreeing to work together to ensure a peaceful and safe atmosphere throughout the state during the celebrations.
This consensus highlighted the shared responsibility between law enforcement, the media, and the general public in maintaining peace and security in Lagos, both during Independence Day and in the future.
With these assurances in place, the Lagos State Police Command seeks to foster an environment where citizens can commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Day peacefully, free from fear or uncertainty.
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