The Congress of Nigerian Maritime
Media Practitioners (CONMMEP) has announced plans to strengthen its strategic partnerships following a fruitful engagement with Chief Bestman Nze Jumbo, a key Lagos State stakeholder and member of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s kitchen cabinet.
The meeting, held last weekend, was facilitated by a member of the association’s executive committee and brought together representatives of CONMMEP and Chief Jumbo, who is also the President of Team Nigeria for Change, Publisher of Eko Mii Eko E, and Managing Director/CEO of Image Expressions Limited.
According to CONMMEP’s President, the deliberation provided an opportunity to explore collaboration and address issues concerning Lagos State’s security, inclusivity, and governance. Chief Jumbo, in an interview after the meeting, reaffirmed his commitment to partnering with CONMMEP and praised Lagos State’s approach to security and diversity.
Speaking on security challenges, he identified the unchecked influx of migrants from across West Africa as a major concern, noting that such movements sometimes lead to misunderstandings and criminal activities. He, however, commended the Lagos State Government for improving security, citing the decline in incidents such as car snatching and bank robberies.
Chief Jumbo highlighted the state’s innovative use of alternative security and community-based intelligence gathering, which integrates youths — some previously considered societal misfits — into structured security teams. “They are the ones we relate to for information gathering… it has drastically reduced certain crimes like road hijacking in traffic,” he explained.
On inclusivity, he praised Lagos as the most diverse state in Nigeria, with opportunities for people from different ethnicities, religions, and political affiliations. He pointed out that key positions in the state government are held by non-Yoruba indigenes, adding that the administration’s empowerment of women and openness to political collaboration should be emulated nationwide.
Addressing the contentious issue of land grabbing, Chief Jumbo disclosed that Lagos has a dedicated agency for tackling the menace, with plans for an expanded enforcement unit, which he is expected to head. He urged prospective land buyers to verify property status at Alausa before making payments, warning that “cheap offers” often lead to fraudulent transactions.
Beyond his political engagements, Chief Jumbo spoke about his philanthropic work, including donating school bags and exercise books to 19 schools in honour of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s 60th birthday. He also reflected on his past roles in other states, including his time in Kogi, where he worked closely with former Governor Yahaya Bello and served as APC Congress Chairman for the state.
The CONMMEP President, Chief Charles Udo Onyeka expressed optimism that the partnership with Chief Jumbo will enhance the association’s advocacy efforts and contribute to broader socio-economic development in Lagos and beyond.