•I’m committed to stronger regional cooperation, coordinated security operations – Governor
L-R: PRO, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA), Mrs. Runsewe Oloruntoba; Chairman, Lagos State Chapter of Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Revd Dr. Stephen Oyinlola; representative of the Chief of Staff to the President, Dr. Kamil Shoretire; representative of the Governor of Lagos State, Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Oladeji; Convener, Bishop Timothy Cheren and Capt. O.O Ogumi during the South-West Zonal Peace Summit and Humanitarian Awards 2026 at Neca House Building, Alausa, Ikeja on Monday 26th, October 2026
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday received the National Peace and Humanitarian Award in recognition of his contributions to the promotion of peace and security.
The National Peace and Humanitarian Award was presented to Governor Sanwo-Olu during the South-West Peace Summit and Humanitarian Awards 2026, organised by The Nigeria Peace Summit Group at NECA Building, Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday.
Speaking at the event, which was attended by top public office holders, security personnel, religious and community leaders, among others, Governor Sanwo-Olu said he received the award with “gratitude and with renewed determination to continue the work of building a safer, more peaceful and more compassionate society.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Mrs Oluwatoyin Oladeji, said: “Peace in a city of more than twenty million people does not happen by accident. It is funded, staffed and defended every day by people who are rarely credited when it holds. This award belongs to them, and I receive it with humility, knowing that the work is far from finished.
“I sincerely thank the organisers for this honour. I accept it on behalf of the people of Lagos State, our security agencies, the men and women who risk their lives to protect our communities, and our traditional, religious and community leaders whose interventions often prevent disagreements from becoming crises.”
Speaking about his administration’s commitment to security, Governor Sanwo-Olu said: “In Lagos, we have approached security as a shared responsibility. Through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, we have strengthened the capacity of security agencies with operational equipment and technology. We have invested in intelligence gathering, surveillance and emergency response, while working with communities to build the trust that effective policing requires.
“We also recognise that peace goes beyond the absence of crime. It means protecting vulnerable people, responding to emergencies, supporting victims of violence and creating opportunities that give our young people hope. These responsibilities are reflected in our THEMES+ Development Agenda and our commitment to improving the welfare of every resident.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the theme of the Summit, “Towards Enduring Peace and Renewed Hope in the South-West Zone,” speaks to a responsibility that extends beyond Lagos because “Criminals do not respect state boundaries, and no state can guarantee lasting security by acting alone.”
He said: “As Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum, I remain committed to stronger regional cooperation, particularly in intelligence sharing, coordinated security operations and community-based early-warning systems. These are priorities that demand sustained collaboration among our states and with the Federal Government.
“I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s continuing efforts to strengthen national security. Our responsibility at the state level is to complement these efforts through effective coordination, investment and community engagement.”
Speaking earlier, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Kamil Shoretire, charged citizens to continue preaching peace in the country.
He commended the security forces for the sacrifices they are making for the nation to ensure that Nigerians remain at peace.
Also speaking, the Convener of the Summit, Bishop Timothy Cheren, said Governor Sanwo-Olu had ensured a safe Lagos by building on the foundation laid by former Lagos Governor and now President Bola Tinubu.
He said: “We are giving the National Peace and Humanitarian Award to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu because of the trust Lagos State has established in the Security Trust Fund. The Lagos State Security Trust Fund is novel in the country.
“There are several layers of security networks that have been set up in Lagos to be relatively stable in terms of security. We commend the efforts of Governor Sanwo-Olu in the area of security, and we want to encourage other governors to do the same, not to pay lip service but to work the work.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu has ensured a safe Lagos. He has built on the foundation laid by President Bola Tinubu. President Tinubu should be allowed to serve for two terms. We should allow him to serve for another term for the purpose of peace and continuity.
“President Tinubu should be given the opportunity to serve for another four years to continue with the work of transformation which he has started. We hope he will do better and do more.”
