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From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has distributed 100 operational vehicles to security agencies across the state to strengthen security operations and enhance rapid response to emergencies.
The beneficiaries include the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS) and local security networks.
Distributing the vehicles yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Oyebanji said the intervention was another demonstration of his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
He said the vehicles would also support the eventual take-off of the proposed Ekiti State Police Outfit, describing the intervention as a “bolder step” towards addressing the recurring demand by security agencies for operational vehicles.
Oyebanji recalled that his administration, two years ago, distributed patrol vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), bullet-proof vests, helmets and other security equipment to security agencies in the state.
“Lined up here are 100 units of security vehicles, primarily for operations and mobility of your personnel and the eventual take-off of the Ekiti State Police Outfit. This is in addition to our numerous interventions in the security sector in the state,” he said.
The governor assured the agencies of continued government support, including regular monthly financial assistance and efforts to strengthen the capacity of state-owned security institutions.
He charged security chiefs to reciprocate the government’s investment by intensifying patrols, improving strategic visibility and ensuring faster response to distress calls.
“With the provision of these vehicles, I will want to see increased patrols, strategic visibility, faster response and spontaneous agility on the part of your men. There should be no reasons for excuses, lapses or unprofessional conduct,” he said.
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Oyebanji also urged security and intelligence agencies to maximise the surveillance technology available in the state and work collaboratively rather than operating in silos.
He disclosed that the state government had commenced discussions with CIG Motors on establishing a garage in Ekiti to ensure regular maintenance of the vehicles.
The governor attributed the procurement of the vehicles to the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the President’s reforms had resulted in increased funds for sub-national governments.
He also urged the people of the state to reciprocate the President’s gesture by voting for him and other All Progressives Congress candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Oyebanji appealed to the benefiting agencies to properly maintain the vehicles, stressing that effective maintenance would ensure their longevity and sustained operational usefulness.
He further urged community security initiatives, local vigilante groups and traditional rulers to sustain their contributions to security at the grassroots, while calling on stakeholders to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities.
The governor also appealed to security personnel to remain vigilant as the state prepares for its forthcoming inauguration activities and the 2027 general elections, stressing the need for all stakeholders to work together to preserve the peace in Ekiti.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), said the administration was committed to protecting lives and property, hence its renewed investment in the security sector.
Ogundana said the state had been ranked the most peaceful in the country following the government’s deliberate efforts and investment in security, adding that the vehicles would further enhance the operational efficiency of the security agencies.
