Sola Salako-Ajulo, widely known as “Consumer Mama,” has been named the Iconic Woman of the Month for March 2026 by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos Chapter.

The recognition honours her more than two decades of advocacy for consumer rights in Nigeria, highlighting her role in shaping policies, raising awareness, and empowering citizens to understand and enforce their rights.

Championing Consumer Rights for Over 20 Years

Mrs. Salako-Ajulo began her journey in 2003 with the influential column Handwriting on the Wall, which quickly became a trusted voice for Nigerian consumers. Over the years, her work has evolved from journalism into large-scale activism.

She founded the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), where she spearheaded landmark campaigns including the #NoBankingDay Protest in 2016, which challenged excessive bank charges and reshaped consumer protections in the Nigerian financial sector.

She is also the author of Protect Yourself: Your Naija Guide To Consumer Right And Protection, a handbook designed to make complex regulations accessible to everyday Nigerians.

Recently, she launched the CAFON Consumers Companion (3C), an AI-powered platform providing Nigerians with 24/7 digital guidance on their consumer rights.

“Sola Salako-Ajulo is a force for justice in the marketplace,” said Jumoke Johnson, Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos.

“Where consumers face exploitation, she provides the education and tools for redress. Her life’s work proves the power of a single, determined voice to create national change.”

Recognition and Industry Praise

Her peers have consistently acknowledged her contributions:

Marketing Journalist of the Year, Nigeria Marketing Awards (2023–2025)

Brand Journalist of the Year, ADVAN African Awards (2025)

The NAWOJ Lagos Chairperson emphasised that Mrs. Salako-Ajulo’s work exemplifies the transformative impact of women in media and civil society.

Why It Matters

Consumer rights in Nigeria remain a critical area for economic fairness. Advocacy initiatives like those led by Mrs. Salako-Ajulo help protect citizens from exploitation while promoting transparency in business and finance. Her work also demonstrates how journalism can evolve into activism with measurable societal impact.

What’s Next

NAWOJ Lagos plans to continue celebrating women leaders who drive social change. Mrs. Salako-Ajulo’s recognition is part of a broader effort to inspire future generations of female advocates across Nigeria.

The Lagos State Police Command has presented ₦53.3 million to families of officers who died in active service, as part of activities marking the 2026 National Police Day.

The payments were announced during a security stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday, bringing together community leaders, youth groups, and security partners in a renewed push to strengthen policing in Nigeria’s commercial hub.

Police say the initiative highlights a dual focus on officer welfare and community collaboration in addressing growing security concerns.

Stakeholders urged to strengthen collaboration

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Olaiwola Fatai, praised stakeholders for their support in crime prevention.

He stressed the need for stronger cooperation between residents and security agencies.

“We appreciate your continued partnership and support in crime prevention and control,” he said.

The meeting included representatives from the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), religious leaders, community figures, and members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria.

Police say the engagement is part of efforts to build trust and improve intelligence gathering through community-based policing.

Focus on cultism and electoral violence

Authorities also raised concerns about persistent threats, including cult-related violence and electoral unrest.

The police chief said the command would intensify intelligence-led policing and adopt technology-driven strategies to improve response times and operational efficiency.

“We will continue to adopt intelligence-led policing and leverage technology to enhance operational effectiveness,” he added.

Security analysts say such collaboration is crucial in Lagos, where rapid urban growth and political activities often heighten security risks.

₦53.3m support for families of fallen officers

A key moment at the event was the presentation of ₦53,387,209.48 to families of deceased officers under the Inspector-General of Police Family Welfare Scheme.

Police authorities described the payments as part of ongoing efforts to support families left behind by officers who died in the line of duty.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, saying the funds would help ease financial pressures.

“The assistance will significantly alleviate the challenges faced by the families left behind,” a representative of the beneficiaries said.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the force’s commitment to honouring fallen officers.

“The sacrifices of our fallen heroes will never be forgotten. We will continue to stand firmly with their families,” he said.

Why it matters

The initiative comes amid increasing calls for improved welfare for security personnel in Nigeria.

Experts say better support systems for officers and their families can boost morale, improve performance, and strengthen public trust in law enforcement.

In Lagos — Nigeria’s economic centre — effective policing is seen as critical to business confidence, public safety, and social stability.

What’s next

Police say more community engagements and intelligence-driven operations will follow as part of National Police Day activities.

Authorities are also expected to deepen partnerships with local groups to address security challenges ahead of future elections.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State says it has deployed 991 personnel to ensure safety during the Easter celebrations, warning against vandalism of public infrastructure.

The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, said the deployment would cover worship centres, banks, recreational facilities, and other critical assets across the state.

Why it matters

Easter is one of the busiest travel and worship periods in Nigeria, often marked by increased movement and public gatherings.

Security agencies typically heighten surveillance to prevent crimes such as theft, vandalism, and attacks on public infrastructure.

Mr Olatunde said the corps was determined to ensure residents celebrate without fear.

“The NSCDC will collaborate with other agencies to provide continuous security coverage and maintain law and order during the celebrations.”

Where officers will be deployed

The command said personnel would be stationed at:

Churches and worship centres

Banks and financial institutions

Government facilities

Recreational centres

Other critical national and state infrastructure

The deployment was approved during a tactical meeting held at the command headquarters in Awka.

Warning to vandals and criminal elements

The commandant issued a strong warning to individuals planning to vandalise infrastructure or disrupt public peace.

“The Corps will take tough action against anyone caught or found culpable,” Mr Olatunde said.

He added that officers had been instructed to remain professional with law-abiding citizens while dealing firmly with criminal elements.

Collaboration with other security agencies

The NSCDC said it would work closely with other security agencies to strengthen surveillance and response across Anambra State.

Experts say such inter-agency collaboration is critical during festive periods when security threats can increase.

Call for public cooperation

Mr Olatunde urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

“Be security-conscious and report any untoward incident to the nearest NSCDC formation,” he said.

The command also released emergency contact numbers for public use during the holiday.

What’s next

Security patrols are expected to continue before, during, and after Easter, with authorities maintaining heightened alert levels.

Residents are advised to plan movements carefully and cooperate with security personnel.