By Emmanuel Daniji

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has donated a new operational vehicle and promised additional security equipment to the newly established Agege Security Trust Fund to strengthen community-based security in the area.

The donation was made by the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, during the official launch of the Agege Security Trust Fund at the Agege Local Government Secretariat.

Ogunsan also pledged to provide 10 ballistic helmets, 10 bulletproof vests, raincoats and operational boots for security personnel working in the area.

He said the support was part of efforts to encourage community-driven security initiatives across Lagos State and complement the state government’s efforts to tackle insecurity.

Ogunsan described the establishment of the Agege fund as an important step towards improving security at the grassroots. He stressed that government, residents, security agencies and the private sector must work together to protect communities.

He urged the Agege Local Government Chairman, Hon. Vinod Obasa, to seek greater private-sector involvement in the initiative, assuring him that the LSSTF would help mobilise support.

Ogunsan said the Lagos State Security Trust Fund had been operating since 2007 and expressed confidence that the Agege initiative would deliver lasting results if properly supported.

“By the time the Agege Security Trust Fund turns 20, I can assure you that Agege will be the pride of Lagos and will be the safest in Lagos State,” he said.

Obasa thanked the LSSTF for its immediate intervention, saying the donation had strengthened his administration’s commitment to making security a priority.

He also unveiled members of the board of the Agege Security Trust Fund. They include former Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area chairman, Hon. J.S. Babatunde, and the LSSTF representative, Mr Adeniran Samson Israel. Mr Anikulapo was named the fund’s inaugural chief executive officer.

The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, called for stronger cooperation between residents, the government and security agencies, noting that community participation was essential to effective policing.

Tijani said security agencies across the state faced manpower shortages, making residents’ involvement important in identifying and preventing crime.

“We have to work together in partnership. That is the concept of community policing. We should not allow crime and criminality to thrive,” he said.

Babatunde also highlighted the role of local wards in grassroots security, saying they could help identify vulnerable locations, provide early intelligence and improve communication between residents and security agencies.

He urged the fund’s managers to operate transparently and include community members in their activities, stressing that trust and cooperation were necessary for sustainable security.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in Agege Local Government, Safari Adaranijo, also called on residents to take responsibility for protecting their neighbourhoods.

He said the government could not handle security challenges alone and urged families and community members to remain alert.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Area G Commander, ACP Veronica Ameh Akpa; the first chairman of Agege Local Council, Hon. Owolabi Dada; Council Manager Osikoya Adesina; and traditional and community leaders.

The event also featured a celebration of Ogunsan’s 50th birthday.