Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture and protecting lives and property.
Oyebanji gave the assurance on Monday in Ado-Ekiti while presenting 100 newly acquired operational vehicles to security agencies across the state.
The vehicles were distributed to the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Correctional Service and Amotekun Corps.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at the Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, the governor said the initiative formed part of his administration’s continued efforts to enhance security and maintain Ekiti’s reputation as one of the safest states in the country.
Oyebanji said security had remained a major priority since he assumed office, noting that the government had previously supported security agencies with patrol vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, military vests, helmets and other protective equipment.
He said the latest intervention would further improve the operational capacity of security personnel, particularly in patrol and field operations.
According to him, the provision of the vehicles was in addition to other investments and monthly financial support being provided to security agencies operating in the state.
The governor commended security personnel for their professionalism and commitment to combating crime, while urging them to intensify their activities ahead of forthcoming major events in the state and national elections.
“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,” Oyebanji said.
He urged the heads of the security agencies to ensure that the vehicles and other resources provided by the state government were deployed effectively to protect residents and maintain security across Ekiti.
Oyebanji said his administration would continue to provide the necessary resources to security agencies and sustain its monthly financial support, while also strengthening state-owned security institutions.
Earlier, the Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brigadier-General Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd), said the administration had demonstrated a strong commitment to the safety of lives and property in the state.
Ogundana said the relative peace enjoyed in Ekiti had contributed to positive developments and helped the state maintain its position among the peaceful and secure states in Nigeria.
He added that the new vehicles would improve the mobility of security personnel and enable agencies to respond more promptly to security challenges.
Representatives of the Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Musa, and the Commanding Officer of 148 Battalion, Ikere, Lieutenant-Colonel Dimka, thanked the governor for his continued support for security agencies in the state.
They said the government’s investments had contributed to the relative peace and security enjoyed across Ekiti and assured that the vehicles would be deployed appropriately to improve mobility, responsiveness and operational effectiveness.
The event was attended by 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 service chiefs, among others.
