The family of Mr Akintayo Olanrewaju, a driver employed by the Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ifako, Ijaye, Lagos State, has raised concerns over his sudden disappearance.

Olanrewaju was last seen on Friday morning, when he left home to retrieve a faulty official vehicle from a mechanic. Since then, his whereabouts remain unknown.

“On Friday morning, he told them at home that he was going to the mechanic to retrieve the vehicle so he could take it back to the office. That was the last time he was seen,” said Pastor Ben Oyebanji, Senior Pastor of Christ Apostolic Church, Revival Chapel, Abule-Egba, who has been assisting the family.

Conflicting Accounts Raise Alarm

Several days into the search, the family says there has been little progress. Pastor Oyebanji expressed concerns about what he described as a lack of urgency from both the LCDA authorities and the police.

He explained that Olanrewaju initially contacted the official mechanic on Thursday after the vehicle developed a fault. The mechanic reportedly came to pick up the car, but when asked, claimed not to have seen Olanrewaju on the day he went missing.

Meanwhile, the Personal Assistant to the LCDA Vice Chairman said he spoke with Olanrewaju on the morning of his disappearance. The driver allegedly informed him he did not have money to get to the workshop and asked for a bank transfer. Attempts to reach Olanrewaju later were unsuccessful.

“There are too many unanswered questions. What is really happening? These conflicting accounts are why people are getting worried,” Pastor Oyebanji said.

Concerns About Official Response

The cleric criticized the LCDA authorities for leaving the family to handle the search and for not immediately reporting the disappearance to the police.

“The local government people are not forthcoming. They are the ones who are supposed to go to the police station and make official complaints, but they left everything to the family,” Oyebanji said.

He added that police action only began after he personally accompanied the family to the station.

“They made a report earlier, but nothing had been done until I got there. Only then did they talk about reaching out to other stations,” he noted.

Why It Matters

The case highlights concerns about safety and accountability for public servants in Lagos. Families of missing persons often face delays in official responses, raising questions about institutional support and the efficiency of law enforcement.

Authorities have yet to provide an update on the investigation.

The Delta State Police Command staged a walkathon on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, as part of the second day of the National Police Week. The event aimed to promote public safety, community engagement, and the physical fitness of officers.

Promoting Visibility and Trust

Starting from the Delta Command Police Headquarters on Okpanam Road, participants covered a 3.2-kilometre route to the Stephen Keshi Stadium and back. The exercise involved officers from the Command and mirrored similar walkathons across all nine Area Commands in Delta State.

“The walkathon reflects our commitment to community-oriented policing,” said Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi psc, acipm, mnips. “It demonstrates that our officers are always within reach of the public and ready to ensure their safety.”

He encouraged residents to partner with the police, bring forward complaints, and support initiatives that foster peace.

Why It Matters

Community policing has been increasingly recognised as essential to reducing crime and building public trust in law enforcement. Events like the walkathon help officers maintain fitness while reassuring residents that police are accessible and responsive.

“Visible presence and engagement are key to effective policing,” said SP Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command. “We want the public to know that we are not only patrolling but actively involved in creating a safe environment for everyone.”

Community and Officer Benefits

Experts note that regular physical activities like walkathons contribute to better officer health, improved morale, and stronger relationships between the police and local communities.

A Delta resident, who took part as a spectator, said: “It’s reassuring to see officers walking among us. It makes the police feel like part of the community, not distant enforcers.”

What’s Next

The Delta State Police Command continues its week-long celebration of National Police Week with further community-oriented activities designed to reinforce public trust and enhance officer engagement.

Pernod Ricard Nigeria has highlighted its ongoing commitment to gender equity and inclusion by hosting its Women’s Network forum, titled “Women Who Raise the Bar.” The event celebrated women as leaders, innovators, and cultural influencers across business, creativity, and community.

Speaking at the event, Managing Director Michael Ehindero said the initiative was inspired by this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain.” He emphasized that empowering women to lead and create strengthens both organisations and communities.

“When women are empowered to lead, create, and influence, organisations and communities are stronger for it,” Ehindero said.

Spotlight on Women Shaping Culture

The forum featured a panel of leaders across multiple industries, including Susan Anisa Younis, Ibukun Abidoye, Abuchi Peter Ugwu, and Tola Akerele. They shared insights on how women influence culture, from building value-driven businesses to owning narratives and shaping African stories for global audiences.

Dr. Joshua Ademuwagun, Pernod Ricard Nigeria’s Human Resources Director and keynote speaker, highlighted the importance of creating environments where women can thrive. He applauded women across the organisation for their resilience and achievements.

“It is critical to provide platforms where women can excel and lead. Their contributions fuel innovation, growth, and cultural impact,” Ademuwagun said.

Personal Reflections from Women Leaders

Nnenna Duru, Corporate Affairs Manager, described the programme as transformative.

“‘Women Who Raise the Bar’ challenged me to think intentionally about supporting other women and celebrating our achievements. It was a powerful reminder that our impact matters,” she said.

The forum reinforced Pernod Ricard Nigeria’s positioning as a people-first organisation committed to inclusive leadership and meaningful conversations at the intersection of culture and business.

Why It Matters

Promoting women in leadership is increasingly seen as key to economic growth and social development. Studies suggest organisations with gender-diverse leadership are more innovative, resilient, and effective. Pernod Ricard Nigeria’s initiative aligns with global trends prioritising equity and mentorship as drivers of sustainable growth.

What’s Next

Pernod Ricard Nigeria plans to continue the Women’s Network as a platform for mentorship, dialogue, and leadership development. The company’s efforts reflect its broader strategy of fostering inclusion and empowering employees across all levels.