Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged 1,800 law enforcement officers who completed the 2026 mandatory In-service training programme to uphold professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Sanwo-Olu gave the charge on Thursday in Magodo Lagos, at the 2026 Passing-Out Parade (POP) organised by the Lagos State Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI) for officers drawn from seven participating agencies.
Sanwo-Olu was represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN).
The governor, in his speech, said effective law enforcement remained an essential pillar of good governance, stressing that officers must earn public trust through responsible conduct, impartiality and service.
“Law enforcement is not simply about exercising authority but about earning public trust through responsible conduct, impartiality, and service to the people,” he said.
The governor urged the graduating officers to be guided by five fundamental principles: discipline and integrity, respect for the rule of law, professionalism and competence, respect for the public, and accountability and service.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening institutions and systems supporting effective governance, public safety and orderly urban management.
“Our vision is to build a Lagos State where laws and regulations are respected, public spaces are managed responsibly, businesses can operate in an orderly environment, and residents can pursue their aspirations in peace and security,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu further urged residents to cooperate with enforcement officers, noting that maintaining a safe and orderly society required collective effort.
He commended LETI’s management and instructors for developing a professional workforce, stressing that modern enforcement required knowledgeable, emotionally mature and technologically aware personnel.
“At the same time, law enforcement officers must understand that public cooperation is strengthened when citizens are treated fairly, their concerns are heard, and their rights are respected,” he said.
“The true value of today’s ceremony will be demonstrated in the conduct of these officers in the field,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of LETI, Mrs Taiwo Bonnie, in her welcome address, said the 1,800 graduating officers successfully completed the institutes 2026 Mandatory In-Service Training programme.
Bonnie identified the participating agencies as the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Community Development Board (CBD), Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) and Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).
She said the training covered law and enforcement, technology, self-development, teamwork, inter-agency collaboration, health and wellness, stress management, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), first-response skills, physical fitness and field exercises.
According to her, the programme reflects the government’s commitment to continuous professional development and effective service delivery.
“The real test of this training begins outside the classroom,” she said.
Bonnie urged the officers to demonstrate courage, fairness, restraint and accountability while protecting citizens’ dignity.
She also reaffirmed LETI’s commitment to building a modern, responsive and innovative institution capable of developing the human capacity required for effective law enforcement.
Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) and other stakeholders at the event pledged continued support for the Lagos State Law Enforcement Training Institute to strengthen the capacity, professionalism and efficiency of law enforcement officers in the state.
The Director of Administration of LSSTF, Mr Lewis Adebola, said the agency had remained committed to training law enforcement personnel and would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving their performance.
Adebola commended LETI for sustaining its training programmes, noting that officers from federal security agencies also participated in some of the institute’s capacity-building exercises.
He said LETI, conducted monthly training for 100 officers drawn from four security agencies, stressing the importance of continuous training and retraining in helping officers discharge their responsibilities effectively.
LSSTF, pledged to maintain its partnership with the institute and support efforts to improve law enforcement standards in Lagos State.
In his goodwill message, Mr Adio Moses, commended LETI, for its contributions to training law enforcement personnel.
Moses highlighted the importance of improving the educational qualifications and professional development of law enforcement personnel.
He said opportunities for further education could help officers improve their knowledge, career prospects and ability to contribute to public service beyond their routine field responsibilities.
Moses disclosed that educational programmes had been introduced for local government personnel, including certificate courses, while the state government had also adopted initiatives to help its workforce improve their educational qualifications.
He proposed extending similar opportunities to LETI personnel, arguing that continued education would complement practical training and strengthen the institute’s capacity to develop competent law enforcement officers.
Moses urged LETI to consider long-term training programmes that would enable its personnel to acquire additional qualifications and improve their career progression.
One of the graduating officers, Mr Adesanyo Olubayo, appreciated the state governor and the management of LETI for their continuous support throughout the training.
“LETI also provided ambulance and other medical support to the trainees throughout the training.
“We promise to make all the trainings we have learnt to good use and for the betterment of Lagos State,” Olubayo said
