Pix: L-R Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku, being presented a document by the VGN Commandant General, Otunba James Udoma during the meeting

By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

Prominent Lagos politician and religious leader, Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku, popularly known as Baba Eto, last week hosted the Commandant General of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Otunba Dr James Udoma, during a meeting in Lagos State. The engagement formed part of Udoma’s consultations with influential personalities and stakeholders on strengthening community-based security and promoting national peace.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both personalities to exchange views on Nigeria’s security challenges and the importance of grassroots participation in crime prevention, intelligence gathering and the protection of lives and property.

Odunmbaku, a prominent figure in Lagos political and religious circles, is widely recognised for his grassroots influence and longstanding involvement in community affairs. His engagement with the VGN leadership underscores the potential role of influential community stakeholders in mobilising public support for security initiatives.

For Udoma, the engagement aligns with his commitment to repositioning the VGN, strengthening its institutional structures and building strategic partnerships with individuals, community leaders and relevant stakeholders to improve security delivery across the country.

The meeting further highlights the importance of collective responsibility in addressing insecurity, with the VGN leadership continuing to seek constructive partnerships that will strengthen community vigilance, encourage credible intelligence sharing and complement the efforts of conventional security agencies.