The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, has emphasised that safety and effective communication are essential pillars of people-focused security and good governance.
EpeInsights reports that Omotoso while speaking at the Gavel International Annual Lecture and Awards 2025 held on Tuesday, underscored that no meaningful human rights can thrive in an unsafe environment, noting that “without safety, there will be no information to disseminate and indeed, no meaningful human rights can exist.”
The Commissioner who was represented by the Director of Strategy Centre, Mr. Kayode Oyekanmi, the Commissioner stated that true national security extends beyond law enforcement or border protection, it encompasses creating an environment where citizens feel safe, valued and included.
Omotoso highlighted the people-centred governance model of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration, stressing that Lagos State continues to invest heavily in both security and social welfare to enhance the well-being of its residents.
He cited several initiatives that demonstrate Lagos’s commitment to security and inclusiveness, including the Smart City Surveillance Project, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), and various collaborations with security agencies to strengthen the State’s internal security framework.
The Commissioner further noted that the Lagos State Government has continued to empower vulnerable groups through programmes spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Office of Civic Engagement and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA).
“National security policies must always be designed with a human face,” Omotoso said.
“Communities should be involved in security conversations, promoting justice, and protecting the rights of those who cannot defend themselves.”
He commended Gavel International for sustaining an intellectual and collaborative platform that promotes dialogue on governance, human rights, and national development.
“Platforms like this help shape a nation that is both secure and just,” he added, urging participants to continue advancing discussions that foster inclusive governance and sustainable peace.
In his remarks, Mr. Mustapha Adekunle Ogunsakin, Convener of Gavel International, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to bridging the gap between governance, security, and human rights.
He emphasised that true national progress depends on leadership rooted in fairness, empathy, and respect for citizens’ welfare and dignity.
“When security aligns with justice and human rights, we create a society where governance serves people and strengthens democracy,” Ogunsakin stated.
The Gavel International Annual Lecture and Awards continues to serve as a vital platform for dialogue among policymakers, scholars, and civil society leaders committed to promoting good governance, rule of law and people-focused national development.
