Tag: Sanwo-Olu

• By Oluwaseyi Martins

Financial Institutions, especially banks operating in the nation’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos State can relate better with the unprecedented gains in security of bank assets and personnel in the last four years under the watch of Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

Few years ago, bankers and customers lived in trepidation of what men of the underworld, particularly during the end of the year festivities. Daring robbers sent fears down the spine of the people as they attacked banks in daredevil operations. 

The government of Lagos State set up Lagos State Security Trust Funds, under the dynamic administration of former governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN. The banks and other notable corporate entities are the major donors. The monies were used to strengthen the existing security architecture provided by the Federal Government and also to improve the general welfare of police and other security agencies serving in Lagos.

The audacious move by the government increased the morale of the personnel as they were more dedicated to duty and ready to go the extra miles in securing Lagos. However, it was not eldorado until the incident commander of Lagos, Mr Sanwo-Olu got into the saddle.

He built on the gains of his predecessors by significantly scaling investments in security assets and architecture. More vehicles were procured to aid fight against crime and locals were actively integrated into the existing security to combat crime. 228 Police constable officers who are indigenes of Lagos State resumed duties in January 2023 to boost community policing efforts, in addition to the unrelenting, gallant efforts of the Lagos State Security Safety Corps.

In view of the unprecedented feat in bank security, the governor at the 17th Town Hall Meeting on security organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund held at the Eko Hotels Suites, Victoria Island celebrated the state for recording zero bank robbery in four years adding that it was the longest period over the past 20 years.

He said that “Celebrating a milestone in security as Lagos achieves four consecutive years of zero bank robberies, marking a significant improvement in safety across the state.

 “Our relentless efforts in enhancing security have yielded results. At the 17th Town Hall meeting on security, we discussed the progress made and strategies to further fortify safety in Lagos State”.

Governor Sanwo-Olu revealed that the State, through LSSTF, had consistently funded operations of security agencies across communities to ensure quick response to threats and crimes, noting that the State Government had provided operational vehicles and equipment towards enhancing the capacity of security operatives.

The intervention, Sanwo-Olu said, had raised the frequency of crime-busting responses, which, he added, resulted in the unprecedented record of progress in the history of policing in the State.

“We convene here today to discuss and evaluate the trajectory of our collective effort to bolster security in Lagos. Our discussion centres around the convergence of security strategies, which is an integral component of our THEMES+ agenda. Our administration recognises security as a multifaceted challenge and we promise to continue to pursue policies and actions that will foster the well-being of all Lagosians, while we keep faith with our pledge to building a secure, and inclusive community.

“LSSTF, fueled by voluntary donations, has significantly strengthened our security architecture, providing essential vehicles and equipment. While challenges still persist, our State’s security landscape is notably more stable than many other parts of the country. We have equipped and strengthened cooperation among various safety and security agencies; our collaboration with armed security agencies through the Lagos State Security Council remains crucial in acknowledging the sacrifices made by officers and men to ensure our safety.”

“Celebrating a milestone in security as Lagos achieves four consecutive years of zero bank robberies, marking a significant improvement in safety across the state”, the governor submitted at the event.

Meanwhile, a gamut of activities and chain of thoughtful policy direction made the feat possible. Job creation and creating an enabling environment  for businesses to thrive are major enablers of security. The Lagos State Government under the leadership of the hard working governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has created many opportunities for youths in the tech sector in particular and other critical sectors of the economy. Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, LSSTF, provided cheap capital and training opportunities for youth to be gainfully employed or start and nurture their businesses into profitable going concerns. 

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Skills acquisitions and job placement schemes also aided many young folks who were hitherto unemployed in shaping their career path and growth.  These are the massive social investment and policy directions that facilitated a safe and secure working environment for banks and other business interests in Lagos State.

Many of the youth could have been recruited in their numbers for nefarious criminal activities, are largely busy with economic activities either through direct employment or leveraging the healthy business environment government has enabled to create wealth. In other words, the investments in other areas like social safety nets, support systems for the needy among others all contribute to the security of critical infrastructure in Lagos State.

The government of Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated great capacity in managing the affairs of Lagos State. A mega city and the 5th largest economy in Africa and a mega city that is projected to be among leading economies.

It is good news to Lagosians and investors who are planning to harness great economic opportunities in Lagos. Governor Sanwo-Olu has set an enviable pace in security and other areas. 

• Martins writes from Lagos