THE INAUGURATION OF SECURITY EQUIPMENTS TO THE LAGOS STATE POLICE COMMAND

AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MR. AKINWUNMI AMBODE, GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE AT THE INAUGURATION OF SECURITY EQUIPMENTS TO THE LAGOS STATE POLICE COMMAND ON FRIDAY 27^TH NOVEMBER, 2015.

Protocol,

The overall policy thrust of this administration is built on a Tripod; that is to say – Security, Job Opportunities and Improved Infrastructure.

With a safer Lagos, we would continue to attract bigger commerce and more local and foreign investment. This would create more job opportunities for our people and generate more taxes for the government to improve on the infrastructure in various sectors.

With our commitment to light-up Lagos; we are sure we are on our way to creating a 24-7 economy. It is in our best interest.

We are all aware of the recent trend in terror attacks all over the world. As one of the emerging global City-States, it has become compelling to reenergize the security infrastructure in meeting with present day realities.

In a bid to reinvigorate the State Police Command, the Rapid Response Squad was established in1999 under the visionary leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Command was further strengthened during the administration of BabatundeRajiFashola who set up the Security Trust Fund in 2007 to create a Public-Private Partnership to fund the huge investment required to support security operations in the State.

The State Police Command has been a major beneficiary of donations of security equipment by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and government.

Today, we are raising the bar and repositioning the Lagos State Police Command to a standard comparable to similar outfits in other modern City States. Our Police Command will have its operations significantly driven by the right technology and equipment that will match the emerging sophistication of crime in our contemporary time.

Subsequently, we are fortifying the State Command with the following items:

1. 100 4-Door Salon Cars
2. 55 Ford Ranger Pick-Ups
3. 10 Toyota Land Cruiser Pick-Ups
4. 15 BMW Power Bikes
5. 100 Power Bikes
6. Isuzu Trucks
7. 3 Helicopters
8. 2 Gun Boats
9. 15 Armoured Personnel Carriers
10. Revolving Lights, Siren and Public Address System
11. Vehicular Radio Communicators
12. Security Gadgets including Bullet Proof Vests, Helmets, Handcuffs, etc
13. Uniforms, Kits, etc; and
14. Improved Insurance and Death Benefit Schemes

All these have been acquired at a total cost of Four Billion, Seven Hundred and Sixty-Five Million Naira(N4.765bn).

It is significant to state here that over 50% of this amount came from the Lottery Revenues of the State assigned for good causes and Public good.

These vehicles and equipment will enable the Command to effectively cover every part of the State and respond to distress calls faster.

Members of the Police Command have been undergoing training to better equip them for the job. We have also rebranded the Rapid Response Squad of the State police Command to give them a new identity.

Given the encouraging partnership and support of well-meaning citizens and corporate organisations, we are on course to making our State a safe haven only for law abiding citizens.

To the Officers of the State Police Command; we say to whom much is given, much is expected. Law enforcement officers are never ‘off duty.’ They are dedicated public servants who are sworn to protect the public at any time and place.Lagosians will not accept excuses.

I thank His Excellency, our dear President Muhammadu Buhari, for his support to Lagos State. He has always answered whenever we call.

Sir, Lagos State needs your constant attention as the security of Lagos reflects directly on the economic fortunes of Nigeria. We need you to further strengthen the Federal support to Lagos.

I thank the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, the State Commissioner of Police, the State Police Command and members of the State Security Trust Fund especially the outgoing Board of Trustees. You have done a wonderful job and the new Board has a challenge to do better.

I thank Corporate Lagos and Individuals who have supported our Security Trust Fund initiative. I make a renewed call to our Corporate Citizens to donate to the Fund generously. A better, secure Lagos means an open market for all goods and services produced in Lagos. This partnership is a Win-Win and I am committed to it.

Let me use this opportunity to reiterate that security is everybody’s business. Effective security thrives on collaboration between the public and the security agencies. Let us play our part by acting responsibly and giving useful information on suspected criminals and activities that might lead to the breach of security in our communities to the Police through the emergency hotline 112.

As we approach the Christmas season, let us be vigilant and security conscious in our homes, offices and other places that we may be.

I pray that we experience a peaceful, happy and memorable festive season and years ahead.

Thank you.

ItesiwajuEko, lo je walogun!

Eko Oni baje

Akinwunmi Ambode

Governor of Lagos State,

Alausa.

27^th November 2015