Oyebanji delivers 100 newly purchased operational vehicles to security agencies

*Commits to upholding the status of Ekiti State as the safest state in Nigeria

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding the state’s status as the safest state in Nigeria, assuring residents that his government will continue to strengthen the state’s security architecture to ensure safety of lives and properties across the state

The Governor gave the assurance on Monday in Ado Ekiti by presenting 100 newly purchased operational vehicles to security agencies in the State to further enhance their capacity to fight crime and effectively respond to security challenges.

The beneficiary security agencies include the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Service (DSS), Nigeria Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Prison Service and Amotekun Corps.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony held on Monday at the Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House, Aso Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said the initiative was part of his administration’s ongoing commitment to protecting lives and properties, as well as ensuring that Ekiti maintains its recognition as the safest and most secure state in Nigeria.

The Governor maintained that security has remained a top priority of his administration since assuming office, noting that his government, over the years, has provided various forms of support to security agencies, including patrol vehicles, armored vehicles, military vests, helmets and other protective equipment.

According to him, the latest supply of 100 security vehicles would further enhance the operational capacity of security personnel, particularly in patrolling 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 took the opportunity to commend all security agencies operating in the State for their professionalism, capacity and dexterity in fighting crime, urging them to intensify their activities ahead of the next inauguration scheduled for October and the presidential elections in January.

Governor Oyebanji, who stressed the need for greater visibility, quicker response and greater operational agility, added: “To our security chiefs, I say to whom much is given, much is expected. With the induction of these vehicles, I expect to see greater action, strategic visibility, quicker response and greater operational agility from our men and women.”

He also urged security chiefs to ensure that vehicles and other resources provided by the government are deployed effectively to protect residents and maintain security across Ekiti State.

“Today’s occasion is testament to the determination of our administration to ensure that the safety of lives and property in Ekiti State remains the number one priority of our government. Since our assumption of office, we have demonstrated a serious commitment to the safety of citizens and this has led to the selection of Ekiti State as one of the safest states in the country.

“Two years ago we also distributed patrol vehicles, armored personnel carriers, military vests, helmets and other protective equipment to security agencies. Today we supply 100 units of security vehicles, mainly for operations and monitoring of personnel and implementation of state security initiatives.

“In addition to the vehicles we are providing today, our administration will continue to support security agencies with all necessary resources allocated for their work. We remain committed to providing our regular monthly financial support to all agencies, while strengthening the capacity of our state-owned security institutions,” he said.

Earlier, in his opening speech, the Special Adviser on Security matters. Brig. General Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd), who said the administration of Governor Oyebanji has continued to demonstrate in practical terms a strong commitment to the security of lives and properties in the state as evident in the peace the state has continued to enjoy, maintained that the peaceful atmosphere has attracted positive developments in the state.

While explaining that the sustained peace has also contributed to Ekiti being ranked among the most peaceful and safe states in the country, General Ogundana added that the new operational vehicles would enable security agencies to respond promptly to security challenges and further enhance their mobility and effectiveness in protecting lives and properties across the state.

In their separate goodwill messages, representatives of the Commissioner of Police, DCP Mohammed Musa and the Commanding Officer of 148 Battalion, Ikere, Lieutenant Colonel Dimka expressed their appreciation to the Governor for his continued support and cooperation with the state security agencies. They said the Governor’s commitment to strengthening the security architecture has contributed immensely to the relative peace and security enjoyed across the State.

They assured the Governor that the vehicles would be deployed appropriately to further enhance the mobility, responsiveness and operational effectiveness of security personnel, particularly in situations where timely response is critical.

Also present at the event were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo and Heads of Service, among others.