Yinka Salaam, Osogbo
The Chairmen of Local Governments under the umbrella of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter have distributed additional sixty (60) patrol vehicles to security agencies across the state, as part of efforts to strengthen security and enhance public safety.
Voice of Nigeria reports that ALGON had earlier donated 30 patrol vans few weeks ago, out of the 90 vehicles promised to the security agencies.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony in Osogbo, the State capital, ALGON Chairman, Mr Samuel Abiodun said the initiative underscores the commitment of local government councils to supporting security agencies in protecting lives and property.
He said the distribution of the additional patrol vehicles fulfilled a promise of ninety (90) vehicles made by the association following the first phase of the exercise conducted a few weeks ago.
According to him, security remains the foundation of meaningful development, stressing that no society can achieve sustainable progress without peace and stability.
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He noted that local governments, being the closest tier of government to the people, are better positioned to understand the peculiar security challenges confronting communities and respond appropriately.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is important to stress that the success of this initiative is a direct product of the growing autonomy of local governments. When local governments are empowered to manage their resources, set their priorities, and respond quickly to the needs of their people, the impact is immediate and far-reaching.
“Autonomy enables us to act without undue delays, to design solutions that are tailored to our local realities, and to take responsibility for the security and welfare of our communities. As council executives, we are now better positioned to initiate and execute people-oriented programmes such as this distribution of security patrol vehicles. This is a clear testament to what can be achieved when governance is brought closer to the grassroots and when local authorities are trusted with the resources and responsibility to act.
“The provision of these patrol vehicles is therefore not only a security intervention but also a practical demonstration of the effectiveness of local government autonomy in Nigeria particularly in Osun State.”
The Chairman commended the sacrifices and the security agencies for maintaining peace, law, and order across Osun State, just as he described the donation as a demonstration of the councils’ appreciation for their service.
Abiodun noted that local government autonomy has enabled the local councils to respond more effectively to the needs of residents by initiating people-oriented programmes, including the procurement of operational vehicles for security agencies.
He said the patrol vans would improve operational mobility, reduce response time to emergencies, and enhance crime prevention across the state.
He however appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.
Abiodun further charged the beneficiary agencies to make judicious use of the vehicles and ensure proper maintenance to guarantee maximum service delivery.
Police CP commends initiative
The Commissioner of Police in Osun State, CP Ibrahim Gotan, described the donation as a strategic intervention that would strengthen the operational capacity of security agencies across the state.
He thanked the ALGON leadership for what he described as a thoughtful investment in security, noting that the additional patrol vehicles would improve mobility, expand patrol coverage, enhance intelligence-led policing, and deepen collaboration among security agencies.
The police commissioner assured residents that the vehicles would be deployed strictly for operational duties and maintained properly to achieve their intended purpose.
”As beneficiaries of this support, we assure members of the public that these vehicles will be deployed judiciously and utilised solely for the protection of lives and property and the maintenance of peace across Osun State,” Gotan said.
Gotan commended the synergy among the security agencies, noting that effective policing depends on cooperation and coordinated action.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Osun State Police Command to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment where residents can go about their lawful activities without fear.
The Commissioner similarly urged members of the public to keep supporting security agencies with useful information to strengthen efforts at combating crime across the state.
