Nigeria’s foremost security, emergency management, and
humanitarian institutions were celebrated this week at the 7th Security and
Emergency Management Awards and Lecture (SAEMA 2025), where leading
officers and agencies were recognised for outstanding service to national
safety and public welfare.
The annual event, organised by Emergency Digest
(a publication of Image Merchants Promotion Limited—IMPR) in collaboration with
the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), Civil Society Legislative
Advocacy Center (CISLAC), and the International Emergency Management
Society (TIEMS), highlighted notable achievements recorded in the past
year.
Top Individual Honours
Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd.),
Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), received the
prestigious “Outstanding Personality of the Year Award” for his
unwavering leadership in Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse and illicit
trafficking.
Marwa’s reforms have strengthened intelligence gathering, dismantled drug
cartels, and expanded nationwide awareness under the War Against Drug Abuse
(WADA) campaign. His recent reappointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
for another five-year term further underscores the agency’s impact on national
security.
Femi Babafemi,
NDLEA Director and Spokesperson, was honoured with the “Outstanding Crisis
Communicator” award. His consistent updates on drug operations,
clarifications of sensitive issues, and transparent public engagement have
strengthened the NDLEA’s credibility. His handling of the September 2025 case
involving three wrongfully detained Nigerians in Saudi Arabia stood out as an
example of effective, empathetic communication.
The “Enforcement Officer Award” was presented
to Commandant Olusola Odumosu of the FCT NSCDC for his vigilance in
combating illegal scavenging, vandalism, and criminality within the Federal
Capital Territory. His command’s numerous arrests and enforcement actions have
reinforced law and order across Abuja.
For excellence in policing, CP Olohundare Moshood
Jimoh, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, received the “Security
Officer Award.” His intelligence-led strategies have disrupted major
criminal networks in Ikorodu and Shomolu, and curtailed cult-related violence.
Commodore Omobamidele Adetokunbo Akinbami,
Commander of NNS SOROH, was named “Military Officer of the Year”
for his robust operations against piracy, oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and
illegal refining. Between May 2024 and April 2025, his command dismantled 145
illegal refineries, intercepted vessels, seized stolen crude, and
neutralised militant camps.
Also honoured was Rahila Lassa Garba, Principal
News Editor at Voice of Nigeria (VON), recognised for humanitarian
journalism that sheds light on vulnerable communities and drives national
attention toward their needs.
Institutional Awards
Several key institutions were recognised for
excellence in security, communication, and emergency response:
Strengthening Synergy for National
Security
This year’s SAEMA provided a platform to highlight the
critical partnership among security agencies, civil society organisations, and
the media in supporting Nigeria’s national security and enhancing public
awareness.
SAEMA 2025 reaffirmed the importance of recognising
the individuals and institutions whose dedication continues to strengthen the
nation’s resilience against crime, emergencies, and humanitarian challenges.
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