The Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps has promised to enhance its partnership with the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Police Force to reduce crime in the State.
Delivering a keynote address at a one day seminar organised for stakeholders in Lagos Division, with the theme: “Neighbourhood Safety as a Strategy for Effective Crime Control in Lagos State,” the Chairman of the LNSC Board, DIG Israel Ajao (retd), disclosed that the initial challenge faced by LNSC was that Lagosians misconstrued the Corps for the defunct Neighbourhood Watch.
Ajao, however, expressed satisfaction that the challenge had been surmounted and the agency has continued to carry out its primary responsibility of intelligence gathering and provision of information to the Police, which has the constitutional right to prosecute suspected criminals.
Represented by Chief Tunde Aboyade, a Board member representing Ikeja Division, retired Ajao lauded security agencies, especially the NPF, for its support to the corps.
“I have the utmost regard for you for your unflinching support for us,” he stated.
He further disclosed the Board’s plan to enhance the relationship with the Police Force and work with education authorities in the State to stem the rising tide of cultism among primary and secondary school pupils in Lagos.
In his goodwill message, Chief Superintendent of Police Francis Ani, who spoke on behalf of Area B Commander, expressed delight at the existing relationship between LNSC and the Police, promising that the Police will continue to work with the security outfit.
Ani said: “We are happy we are working with you and I promise we will continue to work with you.
“You are still a baby.
“A child of two years is still a baby.
“We will continue to work with you till you mature.”
On his part, the Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, CSP Saheed Egbeyemi, expressed his admiration for the work done by LNSC in the last two years despite not being armed.
Egbeyemi opined that Lagos State is ready for State Police anytime it is approved, saying: “The issue of State policing is coming gradually to be and whether we like it or not, Lagos State is ready.”
The Guest Lecturer, Sola Opaleye, who delivered a lecture titled: “Positive and Productive Attitude to Work and Life,” enjoined LNSC operatives to be mindful of their attitude, noting: “Attitude will either draw people closer to you or drive people away from you.”
Opaleye also advised LNSC operatives to imbibe good self-image because “as a security officer, people must be drawn to you, people must feel comfortable while with you.
“A bad attitude is like a flat tyre that will not take you anywhere unless you change it.”
