By Akeem Abas
Ibadan – The Oyo State Security Trust Fund (OYSTF) on Friday handed over 21 refurbished patrol vans to security agencies as part of efforts to sustain existing peace in the state.
Mr Segun Abolarinwa, the Special Adviser to Gov. Abiola Ajimobi on Security, said the gesture was the first phase of the refurbishment programme of the State Government.
“No meaningful development could be achieved without sustainable peace and this is why Gov. Ajimobi places so much priority on the protection of lives and property in the state.
“The governor set up the OYSTF as another avenue to drive public and private participation in the promotion of peace and tranquility.
“OYSTF has evolved several initiatives among which is the refurbishment programme,” Abolarinwa said.
He said that the programme had helped in putting back many dilapidated patrol vans to good shape, instead of purchasing new ones at exorbitant prices.
He said that OYSTF had also assisted in strengthening the security of the state through the provision of security gadgets, communication equipment, call centers and purchase of 52 security patrol vans.
Abolarinwa said that the phase one of the refurbishment programme gulped N25 million, adding that the exercise was done on request from the appropriate agencies.
“We only repair operational vehicles on request from the security agencies. We urge the agencies to inculcate maintenance culture in their officers and encourage them to make good use of the vehicles,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Abiodun Odude, commended the governor for his interest in the promotion of sustainable peace across the state.
Odude also thanked both the governor and the OYSTF for recognising the need to fortify security agencies in the state.
“I want to thank the governor for his usual support for security agencies toward the protection of lives and property,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the handing over ceremony took place at the premises of the OYSTF in Onireke area of the state.
NAN reports that 10 of the vehicles were handed over to Nigeria Police, five to National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), five to the Directorate of State Services (DSS) and one to the Nigeria Air Force.
Those present at the event were; Mr Femi Oyedipe, Executive Secretary, OYSTF, Mr Abdullahi Kure, Oyo State Director of DSS, Omolade Faboyede, Oyo NDLEA Commandant, and Flying Officer Ishaku Galadima, representative from NAF, Ibadan Detachment. (NAN)
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