Newly appointed Commissioner for the Lagos State Police Command, CP Ishola Olawale on Tuesday assumed office as the 40th Commissioner of Police in the state.
CP Olawale took over the reign of the Lagos Police Command from Adegoke Fayode, who was recently promoted to the rank of the Assistant Inspector General of Police and reassigned to AIG Zone 2 Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos.
Lagos State Command’s Spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, a Superintendent of Police, disclosed this through a statement on Tuesday.
He remarked at the handing over ceremony that CP Olawale holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Master of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Ibadan, amongst other training and educational pursuits.
“CP Ishola joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1992. He holds a BSc in Geography and an MSc in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Ibadan.
Amongst other trainings and educational pursuits, he has attended Tactical Leadership and Command Course, Police Staff College Jos, and Strategic Leadership and Command Course, National Institute of Police Studies Abuja.
“He has served in numerous key positions, both operational and administrative, where he ensured law and order in some of the most challenging environments.
“His experience in Lagos spans decades, during which he successfully handled high-stakes situations such as the OPC Idi Araba and Abule Egba crises, establishing himself as a tactical leader with a deep understanding of Lagos’ unique security landscape”
“As CP Ishola embarks on his mission to maintain law and order, foster community trust, and enhance the safety of the state through his wealth of experience, deep local knowledge, and commitment to reforms, the good people of Lagos State are enjoined to give him maximum support and cooperation,” Hundeyin said.
Speaking at the Hand-over ceremony, CP Olawale said, “Lagos is a centre of excellence, I know the stakes are very high, but it is surmountable. And I believe the duty of a Commissioner of Police in Lagos State isn’t candy that we hand to a crying child. So, I believe that to whom much is given, much is expected.”
For his part, the outgoing AIG Fayoade said, “There is need to create five police Divisions in Lagos State because the population of Lagos is fast increasing and area such as Ajagbandi, Badagry, Ikorodu, Ajah are becoming more populated.
“My advice to the CP is to sustain safety and security in the state and improve on it. We have briefed him on what is on ground and I’m sure he will improve.
“Lagos and Ogun people should expect better security and safety in the two states. The zone will complement the performance of the two CP in the state,” AIG Fayoade said.