- Governor Ambode of Lagos state has said that one of his achievements is security of lives and properties
- Ambode said that with the help of security agencies, Lagos is now the safest place in Africa
- He praised the police and the Nigerian Army for their continued efforts to ensure security and safety in the state
Akinwunmi Ambode, the governor of Lagos state, has said the security of lives and property of residents is one of his key achievements since the inception of his administration.
Speaking at the inauguration of Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Army in the Epe area of the state, Ambode said that Lagos was presently the safest place to be in Africa.
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He pointed out that the investment of his administration in the security architecture of the state and efforts of security agencies had brought about peace for both residents and visitors.
With reference to the era of incessant kidnapping, cult clashes and other security challenges in the Ikorodu and Epe areas of the state, the governor said it was satisfying that the activities of criminal elements such as militants, among others had become history.
Ambode said: "As I mark my own three years in office tomorrow (Tuesday), I can say significantly that if there is anything that I have actually achieved in these three years is the security and safety of lives and property in Lagos state.
"There is no way that could have been possible and that is why I say it quietly and openly if not for the support and cooperation of all the security agencies and most significantly the efforts of the Nigerian Army which is actually hidden underground but visibly seen by everything that is going on here."
Remembering his early days in office, the governor said his first major task was how to address kidnapping and other criminal activities perpetrated by militants in Ishawo axis, adding that a Military Base was eventually set up as well as military operation code-named "Operation Awatse."
He said: "At the beginning, the issue of kidnapping and cultism was actually in this eastern axis between Epe and Ikorodu but with the efforts that we have seen and visible to all of us, it has become a thing of the past and we are very grateful to the Nigerian Army.
"I want to quickly recollect that my first task was the issue of kidnapping that was so notorious in area of Ishawo in Ikorodu and there and then, we had the support of the Nigerian Army to set up a small base and we had to also take over property of some of those militants to accommodate the Military Base."
He said that crime rate had drastically reduced in the State, and that no efforts would be spared in sustaining the peace in the state.
Ambode said: "I must say the last three years have been very peaceful and everybody would agree that crime rate has reduced in Lagos. We need to sustain it because at the end of the day that is what really grows our GDP and that is what makes other people to want to come to Lagos and I can clearly and openly declare that Lagos right now is the safest city across Africa."
While alluding to how former military barrack in Epe was closed, Governor Ambode described the commissioning of the FOB as historic and significant considering the fact that it was witnessed by traditional rulers and community leaders in the area, saying the development was a new dawn for community relationship with the Army in the axis.
The governor praised the general officer commanding in charge of 81 division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Enobong Udoh for his steadfastness in promoting peace in the State, just as he reiterated commitment to continually support the Military and other security agencies in the state.
Ambode remarked: "I want to openly say I will support the second FOB that is coming up in Ikorodu and if there is any need for us to give further support for gunboat engines or infrastructure, you can count on us that we would support anything that will keep the lives and property of our people safe at all times.
"Our support for Operation Awatse is continual and we would support every other thing that is necessary and also beyond this, we would also support the welfare of all the security agencies that are operating in Lagos so that we can continue to have peace.
"What we are seeing is a new strategy to keep our outer spaces safer than ever before and we need the Military presence in Ikorodu, in Epe and all the outer spaces so that we can go away from the central protection and also make every other place in Lagos livable and also economically viable."
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Ambode also commended the new initiative by the Nigerian Army to promote human security alongside national security, saying that the state government was firmly behind any move aimed at ensuring unity in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com reported that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had deployed 10 Hilux patrol vehicles to tighten security at the airside of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
NAIJ.com gathered that the FAAN’s general manager, corporate affairs, Henrietta Yakubu, said in an interview that the deployment was part of measures to enhance efficiency and security at the airport.
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Source: Naija.ng