The immediate past Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government in Lagos, Comrade Ayodele Adewale has described the donation of security equipment worth about N4.8bn to the Nigerian Police by the Lagos State Government as worthwhile, considering the several gadgets procured with the sum.
Adewale, in an interview with journalists said it was highly commendable that the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode brought his accounting acumen to bear in acquiring several gadgets with such amount, adding that the development had truly announced the Governor as a good manager of resources.
He also expressed optimism that the equipment and materials procured by the government would be adequate to curb crime in Lagos.
He said: “What catches my fancy was the amount of money expended on the project going to about N4.8bn used in purchase of three helicopters, gunboats, armored personnel carriers, saloon vehicles, utility vehicles, power bikes and so many other gadgets including drones. It is a very good thing and a very conservative expenditure and I can say that the Governor should be commended for such amount to be utilized for that amount of materials. It’s a lovely expenditure.
“Away from that, I think the people more importantly, must assist security operatives in gathering of information because curbing crime goes beyond responding to incidents of crime. We must be able to gather as much information as possible before these crimes are committed. That for me is the best form of combating crime,” Adewale said.
He also advocated that the government equip the military to strengthen their operations in Lagos, and also empower the Neighbourhood Watchers, especially in the area of adequate training so as to gather and supply necessary information and evidence to the main security agencies in the State.
Also speaking, former Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Teju Philips said with the development, Governor Ambode has met the expectation of Lagos residents on security.
“There has been panic about security of lives and property and for me, I believe that the huge investment will go a long way to gear up the level of security awareness that the government is creating for the people,” she said.