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The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has donated a brand-new operational vehicle, security gadgets and other equipment to the newly established Agege Security Trust Fund as part of efforts to strengthen security and community policing in the area.
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, made the donation yesterday during the official launch of the Agege Security Trust Fund at the Agege Local Government Secretariat.
Ogunsan said the LSSTF would continue to support the initiative, announcing the delivery of ballistic helmets, bulletproof vests, raincoats, operational boots and other protective equipment to complement the efforts of the Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Hon. Vinod Obasa.
He said structured community-based security initiatives capable of improving safety across Lagos would continue to receive the support of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
According to him, security is a collective responsibility involving four key stakeholders – government, the people, security agencies and the private sector.
He therefore urged the Agege council chairman to intensify efforts to attract more support from the private sector, assuring that the LSSTF would also mobilise support for the initiative.
Ogunsan said: “I want to lead by example. Lagos State Government has succeeded in running this initiative since 2007. By December, we will have the 20th anniversary of a successful operation of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.
“When we are 20, Agege LGA is starting out. By the time Agege Security Trust Fund turns 20, I can assure you that Agege will be the pride of Lagos and will be the safest in Lagos State.”
He said the LSSTF’s intervention was aimed at giving the new security initiative the necessary operational support from the outset.
“Today, we are donating a brand-new operational vehicle to Agege LGA as our contribution to the efforts of the Agege LGA chairman.
“We will also send 10 units of ballistic helmets, 10 bulletproof vests, raincoats and operational boots to support the initiative,” he declared.
Speaking at the event, Obasa expressed appreciation to the LSSTF chief executive for the support, describing the donation as a major boost to the council’s security efforts.
“We appreciate what you are doing for this community. This is the first time I am meeting you and you have surprised us greatly with your support.
“We want to continue to spotlight the issues of safety and security as a government because that is the duty that the Constitution has placed upon us,” he said.
Obasa also announced members of the board of the Agege Security Trust Fund, which include himself; former Chairman of Orile-Agege LCDA, Hon. JS Babatunde; LSSTF representative, Mr Adeniran Samson Israel; and other stakeholders.
He further disclosed that Mr Anikulapo would serve as the inaugural chief executive officer of the security fund.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, charged residents and other stakeholders to work closely with security agencies to prevent crime and criminality in the community.
“We have to work together in partnership. That is the concept of community policing. We should not allow crime and criminality to thrive.
“Through the LSSTF, there is enormous impact that the Lagos State Government is having on security. We can’t allow it to deteriorate.
“All security agencies, no matter how many we are, are still largely short of manpower. And that is why we need the people. Let everybody know that we are part of the security architecture,” Tijani said.
Also speaking, former Chairman of Orile-Agege LCDA, Hon. JS Babatunde, said the various wards had critical roles to play in strengthening security at the grassroots.
He said the wards were strategically positioned to identify vulnerable locations, gather early intelligence and strengthen the relationship between security agencies and residents.
Babatunde urged those behind the Agege Security Trust Fund to operate with transparency, honesty and inclusivity, stressing that sustainable security could only be built on trust and partnership.
In his remarks, the apex leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agege LGA, Safari Adaranijo, urged residents to take greater responsibility for the security of their communities.
Adaranijo said the community remained a critical stakeholder in the fight against crime, adding that government alone could not provide security for everyone.
He said: “We are our own security system. Let the husband take charge of the security in his home. The government cannot do everything for us.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani; former Chairman of Orile-Agege LCDA, Hon. JS Babatunde; first Chairman of Agege LGA, Hon. Owolabi Dada; Area G Commander, ACP Veronica Ameh Akpa; council manager, Osikoya Adesina; and other leaders of thought from Agege LGA and Orile-Agege LCDA commended the initiative.
They described the LSSTF’s donation as a significant boost to the new community security initiative and praised Dr. Ogunsan for supporting the project.
The stakeholders also celebrated Ogunsan, who clocked 50, with the cutting of a birthday cake in his honour at the event.
