The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has made a significant donation to the Agege Security Trust Fund, providing a brand-new operational vehicle and various security equipment to enhance community-based security initiatives in the area. This donation was made during the official launch of the Agege Security Trust Fund at the Agege Local Government Secretariat. Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, led the donation drive.
Dr. Ogunsan emphasized that the intervention aims to encourage structured community-led security initiatives across Lagos State and complement the efforts of the state government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He described the Agege initiative as a crucial step towards improving security at the grassroots level, stressing the importance of collaboration among government, residents, security agencies, and the private sector to tackle insecurity effectively.
In addition to the vehicle, the LSSTF will provide 10 ballistic helmets, 10 bulletproof vests, raincoats, and operational boots to support security personnel operating in the area. Dr. Ogunsan expressed his optimism that with the support of the LSSTF, Agege Local Government will become a pride of Lagos and one of the safest areas in the state by the time the Agege Security Trust Fund celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Hon. Vinod Obasa, the Chairman of Agege Local Government, expressed gratitude to Dr. Ogunsan and the LSSTF for their immediate support, which has strengthened the council's resolve to prioritize security. Obasa also unveiled members of the board of the Agege Security Trust Fund, including himself, former Chairman of Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area, Hon. JS Babatunde, and the LSSTF representative, Mr. Adeniran Samson Israel.
The Lagos State government has called for closer cooperation between residents, government, and security agencies, emphasizing that community participation is essential to effective policing. The government noted that security agencies across the state face manpower shortages, making resident involvement in the security architecture imperative. Through the LSSTF, the Lagos State Government is having a significant impact on security, and it is crucial to sustain this effort.
Other stakeholders, including former Orile-Agege LCDA chairman, Babatunde, and the apex leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agege Local Government, Safari Adaranijo, stressed the importance of community involvement in grassroots security. They urged those managing the trust fund to operate with transparency and inclusiveness, noting that sustainable security can only be achieved through trust and partnership.
The event also provided an opportunity for community leaders to celebrate Dr. Ogunsan's 50th birthday, with a birthday cake presented in his honor. The Commissioner of Police, Tijani, and other community leaders commended the LSSTF's intervention, describing it as a strong foundation for the new security initiative.
Key points
- The LSSTF donates a vehicle and security equipment to the Agege Security Trust Fund to boost community-based security efforts.
- The donation aims to encourage structured community-led security initiatives across Lagos State.
- The Agege Security Trust Fund is expected to become a model for community-based security initiatives in Lagos State.
