Lagos Government Supports Agege Security Fund with Vehicle and Gear

The Lagos State Government has supported the new Agege Security Trust Fund with a vehicle and protective gear. This is part of efforts to improve security in local areas.

Ayodele Ogunsan, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, made the donation on Thursday. This happened during the launch of the Agege Security Trust Fund at the Agege Local Government Secretariat.

Ogunsan said that community security projects in Lagos will keep getting support from the state government. He presented an operational vehicle to Vinod Obasa, the Agege Local Government Chairman.

He also promised to provide 10 ballistic helmets, 10 bulletproof vests, raincoats, and operational boots to help with security work in the council.

At the event, Ogunsan mentioned that this initiative could be a model for other local government areas if it is properly maintained. He 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.”

Explaining the government’s support, Ogunsan said, “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 named the government, the people, security agencies, and private businesses as key players in keeping security strong. He urged the Agege council chairman to seek more help from businesses in the area.

The Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, Fatai Tijani, also called for better teamwork between residents and security agencies. He said community involvement is key to good policing. He stated, “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’s why we need the people. Let everybody know that we are part of the security architecture.”

In his remarks, the Agege LGA chairman, Obasa, thanked everyone for their support. He said his administration will keep focusing on the safety and security of the people. He said, “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.”

The chairman also introduced the members of the board of the Agege Security Trust Fund. This includes himself, former Orile-Agege LCDA chairman, JS Babatunde, and the LSSTF representative, Adeniran Samson Israel, among others. He announced that Anikulapo would be the first Chief Executive Officer of the trust fund.

The former Orile-Agege LCDA chairman also mentioned that local wards can help improve security at the grassroots. He said they can spot vulnerable areas, gather early information, and strengthen ties between security agencies and residents. He urged those running the trust fund to ensure transparency and inclusivity. He stressed that trust and partnership are important for security.

The APC leader in Agege LGA, Safari Adaranijo, also encouraged residents to take more responsibility for security in their communities. 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 event had notable attendees like Tijani, Babatunde, the first chairman of Agege LGA, Owolabi Dada, the Area G Commander, ACP Veronica Ameh Akpa, the council manager, Osikoya Adesina, and other community leaders.

The stakeholders praised the new trust fund, calling it a step toward improving community security in Agege. The event also celebrated Ogunsan’s 50th birthday, with stakeholders presenting a birthday cake for him.