By Oki Samson
Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed Lagos State’s unwavering dedication to safety and security, a legacy upheld by successive administrations. Speaking on Thursday, the governor emphasized Lagos’s pivotal role as Nigeria’s commercial nerve center and West Africa’s economic powerhouse, highlighting the strategic importance of maintaining a secure and stable environment for residents and businesses alike.
Sanwo-Olu credited past governors for laying a solid foundation for the state’s security framework and reiterated his administration’s resolve to build on these efforts. He assured Lagosians of continued investment in policies and initiatives that prioritize safety, foster economic growth, and enhance the city’s global reputation as a thriving hub of commerce and innovation.
He established this in his address to Lagosians at the 18th edition of the Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security with the Governor organized by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.
He also presented 260 vehicles among other equipment to the Nigeria Police, Lagos State Police Command and other security agencies in Lagos while also calling on the telecoms giants, private sector, and the general public to give generously to the security funding agency, LSSTF.
The event which was held today 19th December at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; Secretary to State Government Lagos, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun; AIG in charge of Zone 2 Police Command (comprising Lagos and Ogun States), AIG Adegoke Fayoade; the Commissioner of Police in Lagos, CP Olanrewaju Ishola; heads of security agencies like the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, NSCDC, FRSC, LASTMA, LNSA to mention a few.
The Executive Secretary CEO of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun was present with many members of the LSSTF Board including Dr. Ayo Ogunsan; Administrator of LSSTF, Mr. Degbola Lewis; several government functionaries; captains of industry, politicians, the white cap chiefs, media practitioners were present at the yearly security discourse.
In his speech, Governor Sanwo-Olu hinted: ‘this is 18 years of commitment to LSSTF in Lagos. We have kept faith with you since 2007 and this is the 18th edition. The foremost accounting firm has told us that the funds are judiciously used and well-accounted for. Today is also unique as we are handing over a total of 260 vehicles with other security gadgets as a demonstration of our commitment.
This is the fulfillment of our promise made last year.’ At the event themed ‘Data & Technology Driven Security: The Way Forward’, the Chairman of LSSTF Board of Trustees, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti noted that the theme ‘speaks to a fundamental shift that is occuring in the world of security. As we know the challenges of keeping our communities safe are growing in both scope and complexity.
From cyberthreats to physical security risks, the old ways of managing these challenges are no longer good enough. The solution, we believe, lies in harnessing the power of data and technology.’ On his part, the Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr Abdurrazaq Balogun added ‘with the provision of significant quantity of the equipment and logistics for security agencies in Lagos State, the Fund, alongside support from the Lagos State Government and other partners, remain essential to the security enjoyed in Lagos’ even as he urged all and sundry ‘to contribute now so that we can take proactive measures to protect lives and property.’ ‘Despite widespread security concerns, Lagos continues to thrive, experiencing robust infrastructure development and hosting daily events with minimal incidents. We still have a long journey ahead and the challenges continue to evolve as technology costs and associated expenses increase.
Lagos State continues to set the benchmark for security innovation and collaboration in Nigeria. While security agencies in the state have been equipped with drones, CCTV cameras, and other advanced tools, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has emphasized the need for regular upgrades and replacements to keep pace with evolving challenges. He highlighted the critical need for a more effective digital communication system for the police and a technologically advanced dispatch network to enhance response times and coordination.
Notably, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has cemented its reputation as the nation’s leading security trust initiative. In 2024 alone, the LSSTF has hosted delegations from Delta, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Kogi States, all eager to learn from its best practices. This underscores Lagos’s role as a trailblazer in leveraging technology and strategic partnerships to enhance public safety and security
