The protection of children and critical infrastructure must remain central to Nigeria’s security architecture, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, has said.
Ogunsan spoke during his first official visit to the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), where he presented 30 ballistic helmets, 30 bulletproof vests and 100 raincoats to boost the agency’s operational capacity.
He was received with a guard of honour and commended the Corps’ contribution to security in Lagos, urging it to intensify protection of schools and critical infrastructure across the state.
‘The NSCDC has won my heart… Look through your mandate, your activities and the services you render to this great country, especially to Lagos. Very outstanding performance you have given the state,’ Ogunsan said.
He stressed the importance of school protection: ‘Our children need to be safe… I want them to go to school and have peace of mind and come back to their parents after school. That’s when they feel the impact of security.’
Ogunsan said the donation was both an appreciation of the corps’ efforts and a call for greater commitment, pledging further operational support as resources became available.
Receiving the items, the NSCDC Lagos State Commandant, Adedotun Sunday Keshinro, thanked LSSTF for its continued support, saying the equipment would motivate personnel and enhance protection of lives, property and critical assets.
Keshinro said the Lagos State Government had, on August 9, 2024, allocated 2,021 square metres of land in Alausa for a new six-storey NSCDC headquarters, but funding constraints had delayed construction. He thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, for securing the land, and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for providing another facility at Iponri, which the command has begun refurbishing.
He said the corps, with 50 divisional offices and 10 area commands across Lagos, was committed to maintaining its presence in the state.