The National Ikirun Progressive Union (NIPU) and the Ikirun Development Association, Lagos Chapter, hosted a grand reception on Wednesday in Lagos to celebrate the newly decorated Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Badru Banji Lawal, who represents the South West geopolitical zone.
According to the organisers, the event marked a significant milestone, recognizing DIG Lawal’s dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the nation.
The gathering attracted distinguished sons and daughters of Agunbe, along with the honoree’s family, wife, colleagues, and friends, all coming together to celebrate his achievement.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Toye Adegboye, Chairman of the Ikirun Development Association, Lagos Chapter, commended DIG Lawal for his integrity and dedication to the Ikirun community.
“I express my utmost respect for him for maintaining the integrity and not engaging in dishonourable activities that could have brought disgrace to the Ikirun community,” Adegboye said.
He further highlighted the sacrifices made by Lawal’s family and colleagues, acknowledging their support throughout his career.
Praying for his continued success, he added, “May this promotion be a catalyst for even greater accomplishments and upliftment. May he continue to inspire us all with his exceptional leadership and dedication, as attested by the Nigeria Police Service Commission.”
Mustafa Olawuyi, National President of the Ikirun Development Association (NIPU), described the elevation as a call to greater service.
“As the saying goes, ‘Oliver will always ask for more.’ The people of Ikirun, Agunbe, and Onileobi are proud of him for bringing smiles to many homes, not only in Ikirun but also to others who have sought his assistance,” Olawuyi said.
He also appreciated the support of various Ikirun clubs and associations in celebrating the distinguished officer.
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“I want to categorically appreciate the generosity of our benefactors from Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja, as well as the sacrifices made by Ikirun Dynamic Club, Ikirun Social Circle Club, and Ikirun ACES Club. These clubs have donated their land and properties for the overall benefit of the Ikirun people. We are eternally grateful for their outstanding patriotism.”
Addressing the gathering, the new DIG said, “This is the beginning for all Ikirun sons and daughters. By the special grace of God, we will all rise and be promoted in our various fields of endeavour.
“I deeply appreciate those who travelled from Ikirun, including Alhaji Olawuyi Mustafa and his team, who made a journey of more than four hours despite the road conditions, all out of love. I also thank my friends from Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt for gracing this occasion and making it a memorable one.”
DIG Lawal urged all to stay away from crime and to report any useful information to the police:
“For the security of Ikirun, we must work together to reduce crime to its minimum. We all have roles to play as parents and individuals. When I was growing up in Ikirun, things were different. Today, we see a disturbing trend where many ‘Yahoo boys and girls’ are celebrated by their parents. That is not the Ikirun I know.”
He emphasized that internet fraud, commonly known as ‘Yahoo Yahoo,’ is a crime:
“It is unacceptable for parents to celebrate crime. ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ is a crime. While no one openly complains about it, the victims have their spirits. This kind of behaviour is alien to our culture.”
He implored parents to educate their children and steer them away from criminal activities:
“Parents must talk to their children and create awareness. Crime leads only to failure. I was deeply saddened when I read about an Alfa caught with a human skull in Ikirun. I could not sleep the following night. Such things are foreign to our culture.”
He reiterated the importance of providing useful information to law enforcement agencies to maintain security in the community.
Chief Abdul Ganiyu Ajao, speaking on behalf of the elders, highlighted DIG Lawal’s resilience and commitment to innovation, tracing his rise from Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1990 to Deputy Inspector General in 2025.
‘He is a man of credibility, loved and celebrated by the sons and daughters of Ikirun.”
Also, honoured at the event was another Ikirun’s daughter, Folashade Adegeye fondly called Teacher Shade, a senior education officer with the Lagos state government.
Teacher Shade integrates technology into her teaching and produces educational content on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook impacting global audiences.
Her initiative got her several awards, including Lagos State Best Primary School Teacher in 2021 and National Teachers Excellence Awards nominations.