LSSTF backs community security fund with vehicle, protective gear

The Lagos State Government has backed the newly established Agege Security Trust Fund with an operational vehicle and protective equipment as part of efforts to strengthen security at the grassroots.

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

Ogunsan, who said structured community security initiatives across Lagos would continue to receive the support of the state government, in a release made available to PUNCH Metro, presented an operational vehicle to the Agege Local Government Chairman, Vinod Obasa.

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

Speaking at the event, Ogunsan said the initiative could become a model for other local government areas if properly sustained.

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 state government’s intervention, 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 identified the government, the people, security agencies and the private sector as key stakeholders in maintaining security, urging the Agege council chairman to seek greater support from private-sector organisations within the community.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Fatai Tijani, also called for stronger collaboration between residents and security agencies, saying community participation was essential to effective policing.

He said, “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, expressed appreciation for the support, saying his administration would continue to prioritise the safety and security of residents.

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 unveiled the members of the board of the Agege Security Trust Fund, including himself, former Orile-Agege LCDA chairman, JS Babatunde, and the LSSTF representative, Adeniran Samson Israel, among others.

He added that Anikulapo would serve as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the trust fund.

Also speaking, the former Orile-Agege LCDA chairman said the wards had an important role to play in strengthening security at the grassroots.

He said they were well positioned to identify vulnerable locations, gather early intelligence and strengthen the connection between security agencies and residents.

He urged those managing the trust fund to ensure transparency and inclusivity, stressing that security was built through trust and partnership.

The APC apex leader in Agege LGA, Safari Adaranijo, also urged residents to take greater responsibility for security within 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 was attended by 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 commended the establishment of the trust fund, describing it as a step towards strengthening community-based security in Agege.

The event also featured a celebration of Ogunsan’s 50th birthday, with stakeholders presenting a birthday cake in his honour.