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From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has distributed 100 operational vehicles to various security agencies across the state.
The gesture, according to the Governor, will help to strengthen security operations, enhance rapid response to emergencies and improve the mobility of security personnel.
The benefiting security agencies include police, Nigerian army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Security, and local security networks.
Distributing the vehicles on Monday, in Ado-Ekiti, capital of the state, Governor Oyebanji said the intervention was another demonstration of his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property of citizens and 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, 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.”
The governor assured the security agencies of the continued support of his administration, including regular monthly financial assistance, as well as efforts to strengthen the capacity of state-owned security institutions.
Oyebanji charged the 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.
He also urged security and intelligence agencies to maximise the surveillance technology available in the state and work collaboratively rather than operating in silos.
The governor disclosed that the administration had commenced discussions with CIG Motors on the establishment of a garage in Ekiti to ensure regular maintenance of the vehicles.
Oyebanji attributed the procurement to the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the President provided financial assistance for the project with his audacious reforms which has resulted in more funds for the sub-nationals
He urged the people of the state to reciprocate the president’s gesture by voting for him and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general election.
He further appealed to the benefiting agencies to take proper care of the vehicles, stressing that effective maintenance would ensure their longevity and sustained operational usefulness.
The governor also called on community security initiatives, local vigilante groups and traditional rulers to sustain their contributions to security at the grassroots, urging stakeholders to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities.
Oyebanji 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 of Governor Oyebanji is committed to the security of lives and property of the citizens, hence the renewed investment in the security sector.
He declared that following the government’s deliberate efforts and investment, Ekiti was ranked the most peaceful state in the country, adding that the vehicles would enhance the operational efficiency of the security agencies.
