Oyebanji boosts Ekiti security with 100 operational vehicles

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday distributed 100 operational vehicles to security agencies in the state as part of efforts to strengthen security operations, enhance rapid response to emergencies and improve the mobility of security personnel.

Benefiting security agencies are the police, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Service and local security outfits.

The governor, in his address on the occasion, said the intervention was a bolder step towards addressing the recurring demands by security agencies for vehicles to ease mobility and enhance operational efficiency, adding that the vehicles would also support the eventual take-off of the proposed state police outfit.

The governor charged the security agencies, “To whom much is given, much is expected. 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.”

Oyebanji pledged his administration’s commitment to continue supporting the security agencies with all the necessary resources for their operations, saying, “We remain committed to our regular monthly financial support to all the agencies and will also increase the capacity of our state-owned security institutions.

“More importantly, I want to urge the security apparatus to remain vigilant, alert and gallant at all times. As we move towards our inauguration ceremony next month and elections in another four months to come, all hands must be on deck to ensure that Ekiti remains safe and secure.

“I want to also implore the intelligence community in the state to avail themselves of the surveillance technological assets available in the state and to take advantage of the same.

“Agencies must not work in isolation, but collaboratively in the interest of our collective security.”

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The governor, who said that his administration has since inception shown serious commitment to security, hence the selection of Ekiti as one of the most secure states in the country, said, “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. Two years ago, we also distributed patrol vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers, bulletproof vests, helmets and other security equipment to our security agencies.”

The governor hailed community security initiatives, the local vigilante groups and the traditional rulers for their commendable efforts at ensuring security in the grassroots as he called on all stakeholders in the security circles to be genuinely involved in securing the lives and property of the people.

Oyebanji, who said that President Bola Tinubu’s support through reforms which resulted in more funds for states had made the procurement of the vehicles possible, urged Ekiti people to reciprocate the President’s gesture by voting for him and other All Progressives Congress candidates in the 2027 general elections.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brig Gen Ebenezer Ogundana (retd), reiterated the Oyebanji government’s commitment to the security of lives and property of citizens.

Ogundana, who said that the vehicles would enhance the security agencies’ operational efficiency, said Ekiti was ranked the most peaceful state in the country following the government’s deliberate efforts and investment in security.