By Lucky Isibor,
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, December 17, 2018 in Benin City, the state capital, unveiled the Edo State Security Architecture, a new framework that will boost security in the state.
The governor also launched the Edo State Security Trust Fund, with the state government committing N2 billion as seed fund.
The components of the state security architecture include: 50 special security cars fitted with modern communication and security gadgets; 30 Toyota Hilux patrol vans; 30 patrol motor bikes and three Tropicalised Armoured Personnel Carriers; three Ambulances; Integrated Command and Control Centre and five special security check points to be manned at all the entry and exit points in the state.
Others are Special Patrol Units (land and waterways); Integrated Electronic City Surveillance Unit; Establishment of a Special Force unit/anti-kidnapping squad; establishment of K-9 unit; establishment of paramedics unit; establishment of the Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) scheme with 3000 trained and kitted workforce and a community police radio network.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative, the governor explained that security is central to his administration’s reform agenda, noting, “Thanks to the chairman of the Edo State Security Trust Fund, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede for kickstarting and donating N200 million to the fund. I call on all Edo State citizens to contribute to the Security Trust Fund.”
Stressing that the new security architecture is a comprehensive programme, he said, “Apart from the police, Military, Department of State Security and other security agencies, we are recruiting 100 young men and women from each ward across Edo State. The first 1,000 of them have been recruited and trained by the Nigeria Police, as they will help in intelligence gathering, and monitoring of government assets across the state. We believe by involving the community, we would be able to obtain enough information as to what is going on in the state. The effectiveness of our new strategy is based on community participation.”
The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Idris, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel Inyang, applauded the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government for embarking on the ambitious project and urged the private sector to support the fund to enhance policing across the state.
“We are very happy to witness this wonderful gesture. I want to call on all on other private and public enterprises to support this initiative so that what succeeded in Lagos will also succeed in Edo State. Gone are the days that people left policing for the police alone. I also want to thank the Chairman of the Trust Fund for deeming it fit to come and assist the state.
“With the launch of this security architecture, Edo people and residents will now sleep with their eyes closed. I am also aware that gun boats have been procured in addition to the vehicles and other equipment we are launching today.
“This means we will be able to cover activities on land and sea which will be augmented with aerial surveillance using the Police helicopter. With all these efforts, Edo will become very safe for everyone. The security architecture will ginger security agencies to collaborate more, and where there is collaboration there will be coordination among us.”
Chairman of the Edo State Security Trust Fund and Chairman, Coronation Capital, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, commended governor Obaseki for his foresight and his commitment to building a strong and peaceful state with initiatives such as the Edo State Security Trust Fund and Edo State Security Architecture, codenamed “WABAIZIGAN”.
He assured that he would join efforts with other Edo sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora to replicate the success story of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, in Edo State.
The former Managing Director of Access Bank, donated N200 million naira to the Security Trust Fund, and explained that he was instrumental to the establishment and success of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and.
“I and the companies I represent donate the sum of N200 million to the fund. I call on citizens of Edo State to join hands with the Edo State government and all the security agencies to make the state safe and peaceful for all.”
“This process is not for the government alone but also for the private sector, companies and individuals to join hands with the state government in pushing the agenda for a peaceful Edo State.”
Edo State Police Commissioner, Johnson Kokumo commended the governor for the support he has extended to the police command, which he said has made the state safer for residents.
