Femi Ezekiel
No society thrives without security. Statutorily, the first responsibility of any government is to secure lives and property of its citizens. No wonder, the idea of the government as a protector, requires taxes to fund, train, and equip its security agencies.
Globally, the concept of funding to provide for adequate security, be it in the advanced or the developing world, has varied over time.
The sophistry in various forms of crime requires the deployment of modern fighting equipment. Unlike in the recent past when the government alone bore the burdens of fighting crimes, the upsurge resulting from the deployment of high-tech machines by criminals has called for collective efforts from both individuals and corporate organisations to join forces.
This development brings us back to the concept of community policing, whereby individuals, corporate organisations, and governments, be it at the federal or state level, come together to fight the monster headlong. However, boiling down the scenario, Ogun State is not an exception in the task of funding the security agencies, in response to fighting violent crimes.
Ogun State has proximity to Lagos, the fifth largest economy in entire Africa, and this gives it a comparative advantage over others, to exploit the ample opportunities (push and pull factors) provided to its greatest benefits.
The facts and statistical data about Ogun State are quite compelling. As an acknowledged hub of investment destination in the country, it is a quintessential melting pot, sought after by potential investors who are willing to open shops and visit the state, virtually daily. And this development makes it easily a thriving ground for all shades of crimes. In response to the expected threats to the security of lives and property, one is compelled to reflect on the bold initiatives Governor Abiodun took, shortly after he assumed the mantle of leadership in the state on May 29, 2019.
The speedy passage of a bill into law by the State House of Assembly for the re-establishment of a renewed and vibrant Ogun State Security Trust Fund (OGSTF); subsequent launch of the first leg of the launch which raked in well over N1 billion; the initial procurement of 200 patrol vehicles, 250 powered-bikes, safety-crash helmets, bullet-proof vests; and other kits, within a jiffy, speak volume of the premium the administration has placed in the protection of lives and property in the state.
Corporate organisations like Dangote and others that have seen the good spirit behind the laudable initiative have keyed into the lofty projects with donations of additional patrol vehicles.
Similarly, the recent outbreak of clashes between herders and farmers in the Yewa axis (Ogun West district), which was swiftly brought under control, demonstrated the government’s commitment to investing in the security of its citizens. Through the Joint Security Intervention Squad (JSIS), which comprises the personnel of the army, police, and local vigilante, that were deployed to some parts of the Yewa axis in response to spontaneous attacks from the criminal herders on the inhabitants, the government was able to procure additional patrol vehicles to its fleet in tackling headlong the security challenges at the time, to the barest minimum. Also, shortly after the inauguration of the Southwest security outfit, code-named “Amotekun”, the state government bought additional patrol vehicles, numbering well over 50, to complement the duties of the police in some remotest parts of the state.
Not left out, the prompt payment of monthly allowances and floating of a life insurance policy for the personnel are other motivating factors. The government is fortifying the State Police Command and other sister agencies in the fight against violent crimes.
As if undone with the rare gesture on June 11, 2021, the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, ably assisted by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Alhaji Usman Alkali Baba, officially handed over additional 55 patrol vehicles, 200 bullet-proof vests, crash helmets, communication gadgets, and other kits to the personnel of the Ogun State Police Command, at a brief ceremony, for effective policing of the state.
It is significant to state that these vehicles and fighting equipment will enable the Command to effectively cover every nook and cranny of the state and also respond to distress calls faster. By introduction, the OGSTF is designed principally to provide a clear vehicle needed for the realisation of an enduring private-public approach to the resource problems of security in Ogun State. In short, the law provides for the structure, funding, decision-making, and accountability mechanisms of the Fund. The monies and assets of the Fund comprise voluntary donations by the state government, the Organised Private Sector (OPS), the informal business sector, and private citizens.
With a safer Ogun, the state would continue to attract bigger commerce and more local and foreign investment. This would create more job opportunities for the people and generate more taxes for the government to improve the infrastructure in various sectors. The Ogun State Police Command has been a major beneficiary of donations of this security equipment by the OGSTF and the state government. With this commitment to rid the state of the unwholesome activities of the criminal elements, it is sure that the administration is on its way to creating a 24-7 economy that is in the best interest of all and sundry. Given the encouraging partnership and support of well-meaning citizens and corporate organisations, it is evident that the administration is on course to making the state a haven only for law-abiding citizens.
Security is everybody’s business. Effective security thrives in collaboration between the public and the security agencies.
To whom much is given, much is expected. Law enforcement officers are never ‘off duty. They are dedicated public servants who have sworn to protect the public at any time and place.
• Ezekiel wrote from Abeokuta, Ogun State
