Sanwo-Olu Receives Peace Award, Calls for Stronger Security Cooperation Across South-West

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for stronger cooperation among South-West states to tackle security challenges, saying lasting peace requires coordinated efforts across state boundaries.

Sanwo-Olu made the call on Monday while receiving the National Peace and Humanitarian Award at the South-West Peace Summit and Humanitarian Awards 2026, held at the NECA Building in Ikeja, Lagos.

The event was organised by The Nigeria Peace Summit Group in recognition of the governor’s contributions to peace and security.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Oluwatoyin Oladeji, the governor said he accepted the award with gratitude but acknowledged that more work was needed to build a safer and more peaceful society.

He dedicated the honour to Lagos residents, security agencies and community leaders, noting that maintaining peace in a state as populous as Lagos required the continued efforts of people who often received little public recognition.

“Peace in a city of more than twenty million people does not happen by accident,” Sanwo-Olu said, adding that the award also belonged to those who risk their lives to protect communities and those who help resolve disputes before they escalate into crises.

The governor said his administration had treated security as a shared responsibility, pointing to investments in operational equipment, technology, intelligence gathering, surveillance and emergency response through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.

He added that peace involved more than preventing crime, stressing the need to protect vulnerable residents, support victims of violence and create opportunities for young people.

According to him, these priorities are reflected in the state’s THEMES+ Development Agenda and its commitment to residents’ welfare.

Sanwo-Olu seeks closer regional collaboration

Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Towards Enduring Peace and Renewed Hope in the South-West Zone,” the governor said security challenges required cooperation beyond individual states.

He noted that criminals did not respect state boundaries, making it difficult for any state to achieve lasting security by acting alone.

Sanwo-Olu, who is chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, said he remained committed to strengthening regional collaboration, particularly through intelligence sharing, coordinated security operations and community-based early-warning systems.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu for the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen national security, saying state governments had a responsibility to complement those efforts through investment, coordination and engagement with communities.

Summit convener praises Lagos security model

Earlier, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Kamil Shoretire, urged Nigerians to continue promoting peace.

He also commended security personnel for their sacrifices in protecting the country.

The summit’s convener, Bishop Timothy Cheren, praised Sanwo-Olu’s administration for building on the security framework established under Tinubu when he was governor of Lagos State.

Cheren cited the Lagos State Security Trust Fund as an important part of the state’s security arrangements and urged other governors to adopt practical measures rather than merely making promises about security.

He also expressed support for Tinubu serving a second presidential term, arguing that continuity would allow the President to continue his administration’s transformation agenda.

The summit brought together public office holders, security personnel, religious leaders and community representatives to discuss peace and security in the South-West.

Sanwo-Olu’s call for stronger regional cooperation placed the spotlight on the need for state governments to work together as they respond to security threats affecting communities across the region.