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By Christopher Oji
The Executive Secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Ayodele Ogunsan, has promised that the state would train 1000 security personnel this year to meet up with international standard practices.
Ogunsan, who was speaking yesterday, during the opening ceremony of a training programme for security personnel in Lagos said the objective was to build a pool of officers who are better equipped to respond to emerging security challenges.
Themed, “Enhancing Professional Capacity, Ethical Standards and Inter-Agency Collaboration for Effective Security Operations,” he noted that the training would equally strengthen cooperation among different agencies responsible for maintaining safety and order in communities.
“This training initiative is anchored on three critical pillars. Security personnel today must operate in an environment that requires strategic thinking, situational awareness, intelligence-driven operations and effective communication.
“Through this programme, participants will be exposed to modern approaches to security management, operational efficiency and problem-solving techniques that will enhance their effectiveness in the field.
“The second reason is for ethical standards. Professional competence must always be guided by strong ethical principles. Public trust is a fundamental requirement for effective policing and security operations. Citizens must see security officers not only as enforcers of the law, but also, as protectors of rights and partners in community safety. This programme will, therefore, emphasise integrity, accountability, respect for human rights and professionalism in service delivery.
“The third reason is inter-agency collaboration. Security challenges rarely fall within the responsibility of a single agency. Effective responses require coordination, information sharing and synergy among various security institutions. By bringing together personnel from different agencies in a shared learning environment, the programme aims to foster stronger relationships, mutual understanding and a culture of collaboration that will translate into more effective operations on the ground.
“It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the opening ceremony of this important training programme organised by the Fund for security personnel drawn from the police and other security agencies operating in Lagos State.
“I wish to warmly welcome and acknowledge the distinguished members of the Board of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, whose vision, guidance and unwavering support have continued to strengthen the mandate of the Fund in supporting security operations across the state. Your leadership and strategic direction have been instrumental in enabling the Fund to implement initiatives such as this capacity-building programme.
“I would also like to specially recognise and appreciate the heads and representatives of the various security agencies in Lagos State, whose dedication and leadership continue to play a vital role in safeguarding lives and property across our state. Your presence here today and your nomination of capable officers to participate in this programme, demonstrates your dedication to professionalism and excellence in service, which underscores the collective commitment of our security institutions to strengthening operational capacity and improving service delivery.
“Lagos State remains the economic and commercial hub of Nigeria, with a population that continues to grow rapidly and a business environment that attracts millions of people daily. With this growth, comes increasing complexity in managing security and maintaining law and order. Modern security challenges are becoming more sophisticated, dynamic and interconnected. Addressing them requires not only adequate equipment and infrastructure, but also well-trained personnel, who possess the right professional skills, ethical orientation and the capacity to work collaboratively across agencies.
“It is in recognition of this reality that the Fund has designed this two-day training programme, which will be replicated over a 10-month period.
“Over the course of the next 10 months, the Fund will be training 1000 security personnel drawn from the police and other security agencies in the state.
“Distinguished participants, the success of this programme ultimately depends on your active engagement. I encourage you to take full advantage of the knowledge, insights and experiences that will be shared by the facilitators and by your fellow participants. The lessons learned here should not remain in the classroom; they must be translated into practical actions that will improve the quality of security service delivered to the people of Lagos State.
“Let me also reaffirm the commitment of the Fund to supporting the security agencies in Lagos State. Over the years, the Fund has continued to complement the government’s efforts by providing logistics, equipment and capacity-building initiatives, aimed at strengthening the operational effectiveness of our security institutions. This training programme represents another important step in that direction.
“We believe that investment in human capacity is just as critical as investment in security infrastructure. Well-trained, disciplined and ethically grounded officers are the backbone of any effective security system.
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“As we commence this two-day training session, the first in this 10-month series, I urge all participants to approach the programme with openness, curiosity and a commitment to learning. The knowledge you acquire here will not only enhance your professional growth but will also contribute significantly to building a safer and more secure Lagos State.
“Before I conclude, I would like to commend the facilitators and organisers who have worked diligently to put this programme together. Your expertise and dedication will undoubtedly make this training impactful and beneficial to all participants.”
On his own, Commander, 9 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Ayokunle Owolabi, advised participants that synergy among security agencies is the best thing that has happened in the state, quoting a business magnet, Henry Ford, saying, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success.
“It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as the Special Guest of Honour at this all important training event organised by the LASG. The initiative by the LASG is timely and strategically aimed at strengthening professional capacity, reinforcing ethical standards and fostering inter-agency collaboration.
“In an era marked by complex security challenges, rapid technological advancement and increasing public expectations, the need for highly skilled, disciplined and ethically grounded personnel cannot be overemphasised. Professional capacity is no longer optional, it is a necessity. It is the backbone and key to effective service delivery, enhanced operational effectiveness and national development.
“Training programmes such as this serve as vital tools for equipping personnel with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to meet evolving demands. It is on this note that I commend the organisers, especially, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund under the dynamic leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu under the supervision of Dr Ogunsan, for their foresight, commitment and sustained investment in strengthening the security architecture of Lagos State. Your efforts continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring that Lagos remains safe, secure and economically vibrant.
“The theme of this training which is “Enhancing Professional Capacity, Ethical Standards and Inter-Agency Collaboration for Effective Security Operation,” is not only timely but profoundly relevant. Aptly capturing the three critical pillars upon which modern and effective security management must stand which are competence, integrity and cooperation.
“Lagos State serves as the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, hosting critical national assets, multinational corporations, financial institutions and a population that reflects the diversity of our great nation. Accordingly, the dynamics of urban security and administration are particularly complex, hence, collaboration among security agencies, civil institutions and government bodies is indispensable.
“Relatedly, the security of Lagos State, therefore, is not just a state concern, but a national imperative. Any disruption in Lagos has far-reaching implications for national stability and economic prosperity. Hence, the need to continuously enhance the professional capacity of our security personnel cannot be overemphasised.
“The military which I represent, remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote unity of effort and cooperation among agencies. Modern security challenges demand a unified and coordinated response. No single agency, regardless of its capacity, can effectively tackle the complexities of today’s security environment in isolation.
“I am happy that the theme of this training rightly underscores the importance of inter-agency collaboration. I therefore encourage all participants here to build lasting professional relationships that will enhance cooperation beyond this training environment. You must see yourselves as members of one security family, working towards a common goal, strengthening intelligence sharing, improving communication and building mutual respect across agencies. When we operate as one, we are stronger, more efficient and more effective.
However, the state Commissioner of Police, AIG Olohundare Jimoh, described training and retraining of personnel of the police and sister agencies as apt and timely.
He said the synergy among security agencies would improve more. “Before now, there used to be inter-agency rivalry, but the ugly incident is a thing of the past. The police work in synergy with other sister agencies, especially the military,” he stated.
He thanked the Lagos State government for all it has done for the police and sister security agencies, through the state security trust fund. “The Fund has done a lot for the police, providing vehicles and other logistics for us. I am proud to say that we are using every equipment given to us for the benefit of citizens. We have achieved a lot. The good thing is that the Fund is building a workshop where our vehicles will be taken for inspection and repairs.
“The Fund has really done fantastically well. Recently, it signed a memorandum of understanding with the police airwing for surveillance through aerial patrol. The Fund wants us not only to be safe on land, but also in the air. Lagos is really safe.”
A lecturer and Director, Security Risk Advisory & Consulting, Halogen Group, Dr. Wale Adeagbo, wants participants to work together as one and see themselves as working for the interest of the masses. He said: “You should see yourselves as leaders who live by example and practise what you preach. Take up challenges and not shy away from responsibility. The most important of all is policing with integrity. You should have a human face in all that you do in the course of your duty. I also advise you officers to synergise with other sister agencies and take leadership qualities as a priority.”
A board member of LSSTF, DIG Oshodi Glover (retd ), advised participants to take home all they gathered from the training.
