From Ogun to Zone 2: Samson Popoola’s Journey from Meritorious PCRC Service to Zonal Chairmanship”
LAGOS — The emergence of Ven. (Dr.) Samson Kunle Popoola, JP, as Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Zone 2, covering Lagos and Ogun States, has ushered in what stakeholders describe as a new phase of stronger police-community partnership and organisational repositioning.
Popoola, who previously served meritoriously within the PCRC structure in Ogun State, rose through the ranks of the organisation before his election as the Chairman of PCRC Zone 2 on April 20, 2026. His emergence was widely regarded as a recognition of his experience, commitment and contributions to the development of police-community relations in Ogun State and beyond.
The event which was covered by starnigeriañews.com, At his acceptance ceremony, Popoola described his assumption of office as “the dawn of a new era,” pledging to bring renewed purpose, unity, accountability and effective service delivery to the Zone 2 structure.
He said his administration would focus on the rebranding and repositioning of PCRC Zone 2, provision of a functional office and logistics, expansion of membership, transparent governance and stronger engagement with communities, institutions and security stakeholders across Lagos and Ogun States.
A major plank of his agenda is the strengthening of the relationship between the PCRC and the Nigeria Police Force. Popoola pledged to deepen collaboration with the leadership of the Zone 2 Command, particularly in community engagement, trust-building and support for effective policing.
He also promised to give special attention to women and youth participation in community policing, while ensuring continuous monitoring and coordination of PCRC activities across the two states under the principle of “One Zone, One Voice.”
The effectiveness of Popoola’s leadership received further recognition during the maiden PCRC Zone 2 Patrons’ Investiture and Awards ceremony held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Nigeria Police Zone 2 Headquarters in Lagos.
The historic event, themed “Police-Community Synergy for a Safer and More Secure Zone,” attracted senior PCRC officials, police officers, community leaders, Rotarians, business magnates, captains of industry and other distinguished personalities.
In his address at the ceremony, Popoola emphasised the importance of police-community collaboration, stressing that the changing nature of security challenges makes it imperative for security agencies and communities to work together.
He expressed appreciation to the national leadership of the PCRC and members of Zone 2 for their support, while reaffirming the commitment of the zone to working closely with the Nigeria Police Force.
The National Chairman of PCRC, Alhaji Ibraheem Aramide Olaniyan, commended Zone 2 for its outstanding performance and specifically praised Popoola’s leadership, describing him as a great asset to the organisation.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, also praised the PCRC under Popoola’s leadership. In a message delivered on his behalf by DCP Bello, the AIG described the leadership of Popoola as “amazing, fantastic and outstanding,” while appreciating the PCRC for its initiatives and continued support for the police.
The commendations are significant coming only months after Popoola’s assumption of office and underscore the expectations surrounding his leadership of the Zone.
The maiden patrons’ investiture also provided an opportunity to formally recognise individuals who have contributed to community development and police-community relations.
The zone’s Golden Patron, High Chief (Dr.) Olakunle Olalekan Joseph, JP, popularly known as Asiwaju Orile Imo, was formally invested as Golden Patron and pledged his continued support to the Nigeria Police for improved performance.
Other personalities honoured included Mr. Olamide Olajolo, Engr. Anyanele, Rotarians Olusola Agboola and Shuaib Adegboyega, Sir Godwin Ehigiator, Irivboje Ajayi, Alexander Chukwu, Dr. Abiodun Ogunjobi, Anita Ugochukwu and Amb. Mrs. Osula.
Awards were also presented to past and serving Zone 2 Police Public Relations Officers, including DCP Muyiwa Adejobi, ACP Eniola Badmus, ACP Hundeyin Benjamin, CSP Hauwa Adamu, CSP Ayuba Umma and the incumbent ZPRO, DSP Afolayan Gbenga.
Among those recognised in the Golden Award category were chartered accountant and Executive Director of KC Gaming Network, Alberto Cuomo, and Aimuihenyefe Amowie.
The Deputy Chairman of PCRC Zone 2 and Chairman of the organising committee, Rotarian Bankole Akibu, also received a grand award, while a posthumous award was presented in honour of late Zonal Chairman Alhaji B.R.O. Balogun.
The National Vice Chairman, South West, Prince Sunny Yemi Adenowo, and the National Chairman, Alhaji Ibraheem Aramide Olaniyan, were also honoured during the ceremony.
The event also served as a celebration of Popoola’s leadership and the direction he has brought to PCRC Zone 2 since his emergence from the Ogun State structure.
Before his elevation to the zonal leadership, Popoola had built a reputation through his meritorious service within PCRC Ogun State, experience which he is now bringing to bear in managing the affairs of the larger Zone 2 comprising Lagos and Ogun States.
Popoola has acknowledged the contributions of past leaders, particularly his late predecessor, Alhaji B.R.O. Balogun, whose efforts he said laid an important foundation for the continued development of the zone. He also commended the Caretaker Committee led by Alhaji Uthman Jagunmo and the Electoral Committee for facilitating a smooth transition.
With his experience from the Ogun State PCRC structure and his new responsibility at the zonal level, Popoola has pledged to use his tenure to strengthen the organisation, enhance its visibility and deepen the bond between the police and the communities they serve.