.Inaugurates Neighborhood Safety Corp Agency
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday said that the fight against crime would be better enhanced if efforts were geared towards embracing community policing to complement the police and other law enforcement agencies.
Ambode spoke during the swearing-in ceremony of the chairman and members of the board of the state’s Neighbourhood Safety Corp Agency.
He said that community policing was needed to assist law enforcement agencies who, according to him, are already over-stretched judging by the enormous task of securing the country.
At the ceremony held at Lagos House in Ikeja, Ambode said that from the onset, the major thrust of his administration had been the security of lives and properties of Lagosians, adding that the Neighbourhood Agency, which was an initiative aimed at safe guarding the communities through community policing, was another testimony of the commitment of the state government to the safety of lives and properties and a demonstration of a promise kept to all citizens.
The governor recalled the provision of security at the state level with the massive provision of equipment such as patrol vehicles, motor bikes, boats and helicopter on several occasions to police and other security agencies.
According to him, such had aided law enforcement outfits in the state in effectively discharging their duties.
“You will agree with me that the Police and indeed all other security forces within the state and even the country at large are quite stretched, and some form of “community” or “local policing” is required to boost and support the great job the Nigeria Police is presently doing.
“The creation of this agency marks another step towards ensuring the protection of lives and properties at the grassroots. Corps members recruited by the agency are meant to interact with the people at the communities. It is expected that with the visible presence of the Corps members within a particular community, the likelihood of crime will be drastically reduced,” the governor said.
He added that the agency, which replaced the Neighbourhood Watch, has the responsibility of assisting the Police, and its mode of operation will essentially be in intelligence gathering, protection of lives and properties, maintaining law and order among others.
The governor also said that the agency has been empowered pursuant to its enabling law, to recruit eligible persons as Corps members in all local government areas of the state.
He, however, emphasized that the agency was not meant to compete, but to complement the efforts of the Police Force, adding that the state government, through the board, would develop clear policies and strategies for the implementation of the law.
While reiterating the determination of his administration to commit resources to ensure success of the objectives of the agency, the governor said that its realization would make Lagos a place where residents and all intending foreign and local investors can do business in safety and comfort.
He also charged members of the newly inaugurated board to consider their appointments as call to duty.
Besides, the governor commended the foresight, efforts and industry of the Speaker and members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for initiating the bill that culminated in the enactment of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Agency Law 2016, saying their intellectualism in sponsoring the bill and the proactiveness in considering the passage of the law was admirable.
Members of the Board are Mr. Israel Ajao (Chairman), Alhaji Tajudeen Quadri, SP Yinka Egbeyemi, Mr. Razaq Balogun, Chief Tunde Aboyade, Mr. Ishola Laguda, Mrs Kofoworola Adegboye, Mr. Dengel Anifowoshe, Mrs. Ronke Ogabi, CSP Suleiman Lewi, Mr. O. Eziana and
Mr Adegboyega Bajulaiye who will serve as Executive Secretary.
Responding, Ajao who was a former Commissioner of Police in Lagos and Ogun states and DIG in charge of Criminal Investigation, said that he had no doubt as to the passion and commitment of Governor Ambode to safety and security, adding that members of the agency would hit the ground running towards the set objectives.