….Vows to sustain Ekiti State’s status as Safest state in Nigeria
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining the state’s status as the safest state in Nigeria, assuring residents that his government would continue to strengthen the security architecture of the state to ensure security of lives and property across the state
The Governor gave the assurance on Monday in Ado Ekiti while presenting 100 newly purchased operational vehicles to security agencies in the state to further enhance their capacity to combat crime and respond effectively to security challenges.
The beneficiary security agencies include the Nigerian Police, Department of State Service (DSS), Nigeria Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency , Nigeria Prison Service, and the Amotekun Corps.
Speaking during presentation ceremony held at Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House, Aso Ekiti on Monday, Governor Oyebanji said the initiative is part of his administration’s sustained commitment to protecting lives and property as well as ensuring that Ekiti maintains the accolade of the safest and most secure state in Nigeria.
The Governor maintained that security had remained a top priority of his administration since assumption of office, noting that his government had, over the years, provided various forms of support to security agencies, including patrol vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, military vests, helmets and other protective equipment.
According to him, the latest provision of 100 security vehicles would further enhance the operational capacity of security personnel, particularly in patrol and field operations.
He added that the intervention is in addition to other investments and monthly financial support provided by his administration to security agencies operating in the state.
The Governor also used the opportunity to commend all security agencies operating in the state for their professionalism, skills and dexterity at combating crime as he urged them to intensify their activities ahead of the forthcoming inauguration slated for October and the presidential election in January.
Governor Oyebanji, who stressed the need for increased visibility, faster response and greater operational agility added, “To our security chiefs, I say to whom much is given, much is expected. With the introduction of these vehicles, I expect to see increased action, strategic visibility, faster response and greater operational agility on the part of our men and women.”
He further urged security chiefs to ensure that the vehicles and other resources provided by the government were deployed effectively to protect residents and maintain security across Ekiti State.
“Today’s occasion is testament to the resolve of our administration to ensure the security of lives and property in Ekiti State remains the number one priority of our government. Since our assumption in office, we have shown serious commitment to the security of the citizens and this has led to the selection of Ekiti State as one of the most secured States in the country.
“Two years ago, we also distributed patrol vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, military vests, helmets and other protective equipment to security agencies. Today, we are providing 100 units of security vehicles, primarily for the operations and monitoring of personnel and the implementation of the state’s security initiatives.
“Apart from the vehicles we are providing today, our administration will continue to support security agencies with all necessary resources allocated to their work. We remain committed to our regular monthly financial support to all the agencies, while also enhancing the capacity of our state-owned security institutions. He stated.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Special Adviser Security Matters. Brig. General Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd), who said Governor Oyebanji’s administration has continued to demonstrate in practical terms strong commitment to the safety of lives and property in the state as evident in peace the state had continue to enjoy, maintained that the peaceful atmosphere had attracted positive developments to the state.
While explaining that the sustained peace has also contributed to Ekiti being ranked among the most peaceful and safest state in the country, Gen. Ogundana added that the new operational vehicles would enable security agencies to respond promptly to security challenges and further improve their mobility and effectiveness in protecting lives and property across the state.
In their separate goodwill messages, the representatives of the Commissioner of Police, DCP Mohammed Musa and the Commanding Officer, 148 Battalion, Ikere, Lt. Col. Dimka expressed their appreciation to the Governor for his continued support and cooperation with the security agencies in the state. They said the Governor’s commitment to strengthen the security architecture has contributed immensely to the relative peace and security being enjoyed across the state.
They assured the Governor that the vehicles would be deployed appropriately to further enhance their mobility, responsiveness and operational effectiveness of security personnel particularly in situations where prompt response is critical.
Also at the event were, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo and Service Chiefs, among others.
