Wale Jagun & Taiwo Olaleye (Trainee)
The security situation along with protection of property and lives in Ikorodu Division has been strengthened with the commissioning of the Smart Police Station which was facilitated by the representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Rep. Babajimi Benson.
The security facility located at Elepe community in Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of the division, will go a long way in stemming the increasing kidnapping cases that have been rampant in Igbe communities close to Elepe in the last three years.
At the commissioning of the project executed by the Nigerian Police Trust Fund, were government functionaries, top security officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, and community stakeholders.
It was facilitated by the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Honorable Babajimi Adegoke Benson, and executed by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund.
The Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of State CID Panti Lagos, DCP Dayo Akinbisehin, described the project as a major boost to grassroots policing.
“This marks another significant milestone in the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security through improved infrastructure, professionalism, and community- oriented policing,” he said.
He added that the new facility would improve police efficiency and public confidence, noting that, “a well -equipped and conducive working environment like this will enhance operational efficiency and improve service delivery to the good people of this community.”
Egbetokun also urged officers deployed to the division to maintain professionalism.
“Let this facility stand as a symbol of professionalism, discipline, integrity, and service to humanity,” he said. He appealed to residents to support the Nigeria Police with timely information, stressing that “security is a shared responsibility.”
The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Alhaji Femi Seidu, in his remarks, described the project as a strategic investment in public safety.
“This divisional headquarters is not just an investment in infrastructure but a strategic one in crime prevention and community confidence in policing,” he said.
He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the police and internal security, noting that the Trust Fund would continue to support police infrastructure, training, equipment, and welfare nationwide.
The Executive Secretary of the fund also commended Rep. Benson for his role in facilitating the smart police station, saying, “His commitment to the safety and wellbeing of his constituents and the entire Ikorodu Division is highly commendable.”
Rep. Benson in his commissioning address acknowledged the role of traditional institutions, stakeholders and the host community in making the project possible. He specifically thanked the late Oba Ganiu Omotayo, the past Elepe monarch.
“Without the support of the community and the donation of this land by the late Oba Ganiu Omotayo, this project would not have been possible,” he said.
He further acknowledged the late Oba for his genuine commitment to the development of his community by freely donating the land.
Rep. Benson announced further interventions for the Elepe community by pledging to construct the road leading to the station and providing a van for the security functionaries.
“I want to assure the Elepe community that the road leading here will be amended, and by next year, we will also provide a Hilux patrol vehicle for this police station,” he said.
“Security is an all -society approach. This facility is yours, and it must be properly protected,” he urged residents of Elepe.
Speaking, the Executive Chairman of Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA, Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, expressed deep appreciation to all stakeholders who made the project a reality. He noted that the police station which was initiated shortly after he assumed office, will enhance the protection of lives and properties.
“This project started after I assumed office about six months ago. People were even asking if it truly started within that period. In fact, people were asking me to confirm if the project actually started about six months ago which I have confirmed several times.
“Kudos to the engineer, and the trust fund, who made the fund available at the appropriate time. We really appreciate you. We know the essence of security. When there is security of lives and property, there will be peace, and development will be fast.
“When there is security of lives and property, there will be peace. So, we appreciate this and we know quite well that this beautiful edifice is not only going to serve Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, but also going to serve the whole of the Ikorodu Division, Lagos State by extension and Ogun State.
While asking stakeholders to take ownership of the facilities, Omo’ba Aroyewun also charged residents to give maximum cooperation to the security operatives.
“We cherish it. It’s a project for protection of lives and property. The community will take ownership. It’s a project that we will protect, within the confines of the law.
“I want to urge our people, the residents of Elepe and Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, any form of criminality will not be tolerated. Anything that will disturb the peace and harmony of our environment will not be tolerated.
“As you can see, this evidence here is to serve you. I want every one of us to give the police maximum cooperation so that their activities; their job will be seamless. And I also want to assure you there will not be any form of police harassment or intimidation.
“Our officers are civil, good, and unique. They are our friends. We want them to be our friends,” he said.
Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun, member representing Ikorodu Constituency II, Lagos State House of Assembly, thanking his senior federal colleague for facilitating the project, described the project as timely.
“This is exactly what we need now and that is why I’m just happy. A few months ago, I still spoke on the floor of the house, about the need for a police station. I was even proposing a police post, not even knowing that my boss is even thinking far ahead of me.
“I know they’ve reached out to him many times because we have an issue of kidnapping around here, but I’m very confident that with this team, we will be able to solve these criminalities and we’ll be able to go to our bed and sleep with our eyes closed.”
He reassured residents that the presence of the facility in their locality is to safeguard the community.
“Let’s put our mind at rest because many of us if we hear that a police station is coming near our house we’ll be scared, no, they’re not here to intimidate us, rather, they are to protect us,” he added.
The Adegboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, appreciated all contributors to the project and praised the Federal Government for prioritising security. “If we do not have security, how do we expect our markets to function and our people to live peacefully,” he noted.
Oba Kasali called on residents to continue praying for and supporting security personnel, adding that peace and harmony were essential for development.
Dignitaries at the commissioning embarked on facility tour after the commissioning.
Among other dignitaries present at the commissioning were Hon. Adedayo Ladega, Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Ameen Apanisile, Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon. Olusesan Daini, former chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Hon. Taiwo Orenuga, Chairman, APC Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Alhaji S.O Ogunyemi, Hon. Olugbenga Basanya, former Chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Hon. Gbenga Oshin, former member, Lagos State House of Assembly, ACP Agene the Area Commander Area N Ijede, and Commissioner of Police Tony Emefiele of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund.
There were also traditional chiefs and community stakeholders.
