I will start by commending the foresight, efforts and industry of the Speaker and Honourable members of the State House of Assembly for initiating the Bill that culminated in the enactment of the Law on the 15th of August, 2016. Their intellectualism in sponsoring the Bill and the pro-activeness of the Honourable Members for considering the passage of the Law as a priority is admirable.
The major thrust of this administration has always been the security of lives and properties of Lagosians. This initiative for safe guarding our communities through community policing, further reinstates our administration’s commitment to the safety of lives and properties and is a demonstration of promise kept to all citizens.
We have intervened in the provision of security at the State level by providing equipment on several occasions with the commissioning of patrol vehicles, motor bikes, boats and helicopter to continually aid the Police in effectively discharging their duties.
You will agree with me that the Police and indeed all other security forces within the State and even the country at large are quite stretched, and some form of “community” or “local policing” is required to boost and support the great job the Nigeria Police is presently doing.
The creation of this Agency marks another step towards ensuring the protection of lives and properties at the grass root level. Corp members recruited by the Agency are meant to interact with the people at the communities. It is expected that with the visible presence of the Corp members within a particular community, the likelihood of crime will be drastically reduced.
The Agency replaces the Neighbourhood Watch with the responsibility of assisting the Police; and powers to recruit eligible persons as Corp members in all Local Government Areas of the State. Its mode of operation will essentially be in intelligence gathering, protection of lives and properties, maintaining Law and Order amongst others.
However, it must be emphasized that the Agency is not meant to compete, but to complement the efforts of the Police Force.
According to the Law, a Board shall be in place with the responsibility for the operation and administration of the Agency. This present Board will be chaired by a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, and its membership will comprise of the following:
Israel Ajao – Chairman
Alhaji Tajudeen Quadri – Member
Yinka Egbeyemi (SP) – Member
Razaq Balogun – Member
Chief Tunde Aboyade – Member
Ishola Laguda – Member
Mrs Kofoworola Adegboye – Member
Dengel Anifowoshe – Member
Ronke Ogabi – Member
Suleiman Lewi – Member
O. Eziana – Member
Mr Adegboyega Bajulaiye – Executive Secretary/Member
We will, through the Board, develop clear policies and strategies for the implementation of the Law.
Finally, let me state that this administration is determined to commit its resources to ensure success of these objectives. The realization of this will make Lagos State a place where you and I, and all intending foreign and local investors can do business in safety and comfort.
I congratulate the Chairman and members of the Board, and charge you all to consider this as a call to duty. We all have a responsibility to take our great State, Lagos, to greater heights.
Thank you.
Itesiwaju ipinle eko lo jemi logun lo jewa logun.
AKINWUNMI AMBODE
Governor of Lagos State
November 23, 2016
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