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The Lagos State Government will continue to support security agencies especially the police, to ensure the security of lives and properties, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said yesterday.
At the 10th Town Hall Meeting on Security held at the Civic Centre on Victoria Island, Ambode said, his administration would continue to make the necessary sacrifice for the safety and security of residents, visitors and investors. The meeting was organised by Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).
He noted that the LSSTF, established 10 years ago to fill the gap in equipment, training and logistics deficiencies for security agencies, was being limited by lack of resources to wage war against crime.
Ambode, represented by his deputy, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, said the government was proud of the support it has received so far from the private sector.
“We have improved security in our state and we are very grateful to all those who have committed to making contributions to the Fund over the years. Our collective efforts have also made our security model a standard for others to follow,” he said.
The governor recalled that the government’s efforts in supporting security agencies came to the fore in Johannesburg, South Africa where the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) was awarded “Best Anti-Crime Police Squad in West Africa” and the RRS Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olatunji Disu, was awarded the “Most Outstanding Police Operational Officer in Africa” just as the Lagos got the award for “Best Security and Most Safety Conscious State in Africa”.
He said these gains must be sustained noting that it would require more concerted efforts from the private sector to complement government’s efforts in giving the security agencies modern equipment.
“In recent times, we have had to deal with a few more untraditional crimes such as kidnapping and terrorism. These crimes, coupled with the harsh economic condition in Nigeria has made our security situation even more challenging. The truth is that it is our collective resolve that has protected us from unimaginable security breaches.
“Security is today a big challenge for most key city-states in the world even with the most sophisticated security apparatus. We must, therefore, salute the gallantry and collaboration of our various security agencies for using the assets we have provided for them to protect us.
“I wish to state that our government would continue to take the front seat in supporting our security agencies in the state. But you all must also play your part as responsible citizens of Lagos to ensure the future worthy of the Centre of Excellence”, Ambode said.
In his welcome address, LSSTF Chairman Mr Oye Hassan- Odukale said the Fund has come of age as an organisation that is committed to the safety and security of Lagosians.
LSSTF’s Executive Secretary/CEO Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun said the security in state has improved because of the government’s and private sector’s support. The government, he said donated equipment worth over N1.6billion to LSSTF in the last one year, adding that the private sector gave about N440million in cash and 19 patrol vehicles.