Donates bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets, raincoats to corps

As thousands of pupils return to classrooms across Lagos State, the safety of children and the protection of critical infrastructure have come into sharper focus, with the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, urging the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to strengthen security around schools and other strategic assets.

Ogunsan made the call yesterday during his first official visit to the Lagos State Command of the NSCDC, where he also donated 30 bulletproof vests, 30 ballistic helmets and 100 raincoats to enhance the operational capacity of personnel.

The visit, which featured a guard of honour and a formal reception, provided an opportunity for the LSSTF chief to commend the NSCDC for its contributions to security in Lagos while urging the Corps to intensify its efforts in protecting schools, children and critical infrastructure.

Ogunsan said the safety of children should be treated as a priority because their wellbeing was closely tied to the future of the country.

“I want to plead with you because of the exploits that you do in one area, that is school protection. Our children need to be safe. If we don’t do anything for the young ones, it’s like we are preparing for a very horrible future for ourselves,” he said.

The LSSTF boss described the NSCDC as a strategic security partner whose mandate and activities had earned his admiration, particularly in Lagos.

“The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps has won my heart as a person for many years. Look through your mandate, your activities and the services you render to this great country, especially to Lagos that I represent. Very outstanding performance you have given the state,” he said.

He said the equipment donated was both an appreciation of the Corps’ efforts and an encouragement for its personnel to do more, particularly in safeguarding critical infrastructure.

He also assured the NSCDC of continued support from the LSSTF, promising that additional operational equipment would be provided as resources became available.

Receiving the items, the Lagos State NSCDC Commandant, Adedotun Sunday Keshinro, expressed appreciation to Ogunsan and the LSSTF, describing the donation as “a very good gesture.”

He said the equipment would boost the morale of personnel and improve their ability to protect lives and property, as well as critical assets across the state.

Keshinro, however, used the occasion to draw attention to the infrastructural challenges confronting the command.

He disclosed that the Lagos State Government allocated 2,021 square metres of land in Alausa on August 9, 2024, for the construction of a new six-storey NSCDC headquarters, but funding constraints had stalled the commencement of the project.

The commandant thanked Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, for their roles in securing the land. He also acknowledged the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for providing another permanent facility at Iponri, which the command has commenced refurbishing.

With 50 divisional offices and 10 area commands spread across Lagos, Keshinro said the Corps remained committed to maintaining a strong security presence throughout the state.