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 donation was made by the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Ayodele Ogunsan, during the official launch of the Agege Security Trust Fund at the Agege Local Government Secretariat.
The donated items include an operational vehicle, 10 ballistic helmets, 10 bulletproof vests, raincoats, and operational boots to support security operations in the council. Ogunsan stated that structured community security initiatives across Lagos would continue to receive the support of the state government. He also said the initiative could become a model for other local government areas if properly sustained.
Ogunsan expressed optimism that the Agege Security Trust Fund would become a pride of Lagos and the safest in the state by the time it turns 20. He identified the government, the people, security agencies, and the private sector as key stakeholders in maintaining security. He urged the Agege council chairman, Vinod Obasa, to seek greater support from private-sector organisations within the community.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Fatai Tijani, called for stronger collaboration between residents and security agencies, saying community participation was essential to effective policing. He stated that through the LSSTF, there is enormous impact that the Lagos State Government is having on security. Tijani also noted that all security agencies are still largely short of manpower and need the people to complement their efforts.
The Agege LGA chairman, Obasa, expressed appreciation for the support, saying his administration would continue to prioritise the safety and security of residents. He 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.
The former Orile-Agege LCDA chairman, Babatunde, said the wards have an important role to play in strengthening security at the grassroots. He urged those managing the trust fund to ensure transparency and inclusivity, stressing that security is 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.
The event was attended by various stakeholders, including Tijani, Babatunde, and other community leaders, who 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.
Key points
- The Lagos State Government has donated a vehicle and protective equipment to the Agege Security Trust Fund.
- The Agege Security Trust Fund aims to strengthen security at the grassroots level.
- The Lagos State Government has been running a similar initiative, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, since 2007.
