Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has received the National Peace and Humanitarian Award in recognition of his contributions to promoting peace and security.
The award was presented to the governor on Monday during the South-West Peace Summit and Humanitarian Awards 2026, organised by The Nigeria Peace Summit Group at the NECA Building in Ikeja, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Mrs Oluwatoyin Oladeji, received the award alongside top public office holders, security personnel, religious leaders and community representatives.
Speaking at the event, the governor said he received the recognition with “gratitude and with renewed determination to continue the work of building a safer, more peaceful and more compassionate society.”
Sanwo-Olu Credits Security Agencies, Lagos Residents
The governor dedicated the award to Lagos residents, security agencies and community leaders, acknowledging their contributions to maintaining peace across the state.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Lagos Strengthens Security Operations
Sanwo-Olu said his administration had adopted a shared-responsibility approach to security, with investments in operational equipment, technology, intelligence gathering, surveillance and emergency response.
“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,” he said.
He added that his administration considered peace to be more than the absence of crime, stressing the importance of protecting vulnerable people, supporting victims of violence, responding to emergencies and creating opportunities for young people.
“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,” the governor said.
Governor Backs Stronger South-West Security Cooperation
Commenting on the summit’s theme, “Towards Enduring Peace and Renewed Hope in the South-West Zone,” Sanwo-Olu said lasting security required cooperation among states rather than isolated efforts.
He noted that criminal activities often crossed state boundaries, making regional collaboration essential to addressing security challenges.
“Criminals do not respect state boundaries, and no state can guarantee lasting security by acting alone,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in his capacity as Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum.
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.”
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