Omotoso reaffirms Lagos’ commitment to effective communication

The Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, on Tuesday at the Gavel International Annual Lecture and Awards 2025, underscores the importance of safety and communication in promoting people-focused security and good governance He noted that without safety, there will be no information to disseminate and, indeed, no meaningful human rights can exist.

Represented at the annual lecture by the Director Strategy Centre, Mr. Kayode Oyekanmi,
Omotoso averred that true national security is not just about enforcing laws or fortifying borders but about building a society where people feel “safe, valued, and included.” He highlighted Lagos State’s people-centred governance model under Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, stressing that the administration has continued to invest in both security and social welfare.

He referenced initiatives such as the Smart City Surveillance Project, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, and collaborations with security agencies as examples of how Lagos has strengthened its internal security architecture. He added that the State Government continues to empower vulnerable groups through initiatives by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Office of Civic Engagement, and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation

“National security policies must always be designed with a human face”, he said. “Communities should be involved in security conversations, promoting justice, and protecting the rights of those who cannot defend themselves”.

In his closing remarks, the Commissioner commended Gavel International for providing an intellectual platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration. He urged participants to continue fostering conversations that lead to a nation that is both “secure and just.”

Mr. Mustapha Adekunle Ogunsakin, Convener of Gavel International, also highlighted the importance of fostering dialogue that bridges governance, security, and human rights. He noted that national progress depends on leadership rooted in fairness and empathy, where security aligns with protecting citizens’ welfare, dignity, and constitutional rights.