By Emmanuel Daniji

Advertisements

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) is planning overseas training opportunities for security officers as part of efforts to improve professionalism, cooperation and public safety in the state.

The Fund’s Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, announced the plan during the October edition of its monthly inter-agency training programme.

Launched in March, the initiative brings together personnel from the military, police, paramilitary and other security agencies to share knowledge, understand one another’s responsibilities and improve their response to security challenges.

Ogunsan said the programme had started producing positive results, particularly by encouraging officers from different agencies to work together rather than see themselves as separate institutions.

He said the monthly training sessions would continue throughout his tenure, adding that the Fund hoped to sustain and expand the initiative over the next five years and beyond.

According to him, the goal is to build a security network where officers can cooperate effectively in protecting lives and property across Lagos.

The LSSTF boss also disclosed that the Fund was extending its engagement to agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

With the 2027 general elections approaching, Ogunsan said the programme would also focus on preparing security personnel for election-related duties.

He announced that the November training would be followed by a more intensive session in December, featuring practical exercises to help officers prepare for possible security challenges during the elections.

He stressed that peaceful elections would depend not only on assurances from political leaders and security chiefs but also on the readiness and conduct of officers deployed to the field.

Ogunsan further encouraged security personnel to take their professional development seriously, saying some officers could be considered for overseas learning opportunities through the Fund’s engagements with foreign missions and other partners.

He advised them to prepare themselves and develop the financial discipline needed to meet basic travel requirements, including obtaining international passports.

Beyond professional development, the October programme also focused on the health and wellbeing of security officers.

Dr Diya Ololade Oluwadamilola, Executive Director and Deputy Director of Clinical Services at Atlantis Pediatric and Multi-specialist Hospital, said officers who risk their lives to protect residents must also pay attention to their own health.

He introduced the FRESH Protocol, which encourages officers to focus on food, reducing stress, exercise, sleep and regular health checks, including vaccinations.

Participants also received free medical checks and screening during the programme.

The initiative highlights the importance of looking after the people who are often at the forefront of protecting Lagos residents, while strengthening the cooperation needed to respond to security threats.