By Tope Musowo
Lagos
Lagos state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday launched the rebranded Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, with a pledge that the security of lives and property was non-negotiable.
A total of 177 Salon cars and vehicles equipped with necessary communication gadgets, 377 motorcycles, 377 helmets, 4,000 bicycles, metal detectors for ensuring that illegal weapons are not smuggled into public places, among other operational equipment were handed over to the Corps by the governor.
Speaking at the official launch held at Agege Stadium, Ambode said the move was another giant step towards enhancing security all over the state and a vital part of the ongoing efforts of his administration to reform the security and justice sector.
He said: “Special hotlines have also been created direct to the Executive Secretary and senior management of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency for easy communication with our communities in the event of any crime.
“Any valuable information given to the Corps will attract handsome rewards from the state government. I, therefore, call on all Lagosians to join hands with us to say a final NO to crime in our state.
“I am very happy to state that through this Safety Corps initiative the state government has created over 7,000 jobs for officers of the Corps, artisans and other support staff. Job creation is at the heart of economic prosperity and we remain fully committed to a more prosperous Lagos for our citizens.”
The governor, however, charged the Corps not to indulge in brutalising citizens, but that they should exercise lot of restraint, patience, understanding and maturity while carrying out their duties.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Oluseye Oladejo, said the launch and the handing over of equipment to the agency was a testament to the fact that the Ambode-led administration had decided to move ahead of emerging challenges of crime.
