Ambode seeks support to tackle insecurity

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has called for the support of the private sector in the fight against insecurity in the state, saying the government cannot do it alone.Ambode, who restated his commitment to protecting lives and property, said security agents needed the right technology to improve on their strategies in combating crimes.He spoke in Lagos at a dinner organised in honour of outgoing and incoming members of the board of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, a statement said on Wednesday.The statement, which was signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, said the governor stressed theneed for the private sector to scale up its support towards tackling insecurity.Ambode was quoted as saying, “Withthe reality that there are not enough security operatives to secure the state, the next level is to invest in theright technology which will help in the fight against crime.“The state needs CCTV in all public places and data of all suspected criminal elements. It is important for police stations to have technology toaccess data from all over the world so as to make the tracking of criminals easier.“To police a state with over 21 millionpeople requires a lot more than additional policemen. I urge members of the Lagos State SecurityTrust Fund and the private sector to help in the area of investing more on technology, which is not cheap, hence the need for massive support for the government.”Ambode lauded the outgoing board members of the LSSTF for a job well done, adding that since the board was inaugurated in November 2007, the government had enjoyed a strongpartnership with the private sector.“This initiative has generated over N4bn, as well as donations of patrol vehicles and other security equipment by individuals and corporate organisations. It has contributed significantly to improvingthe operational capacity of our security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police, thereby increasing thesafety of our state and residents,” he added.Ambode also expressed confidence in the ability of the new board to build on the achievements of the previous board with a view to keeping Lagos safe and secure.The new board is made up of Mr. OyeOdukale (Chairman), Dr. Abdulrazal Balogun (Executive Secretary), while members are Mr. Herbert Wigwe, Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje, Mr. Yemi Idowu, Mr.Philip Oduoza, DIG Israel Ajao, Mr. Gbolahon Lawal and Prof. Ademola Abass.