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The Oyo State Security Trust Fund has began the process of handing over 21 vehicles refurbished patrol vehicles to security agencies in the state.
A tranche which consisted of 10 vehicles was handed over to the Oyo State Police Command on Friday. Five had been given to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) while one was given to the Department if State Service (DSS). Another set of five is being refurbished for the police.
The Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on security, Mr Segun Bolarinwa, who made the presentation, put the cost of refurbishing the vehicles at N25 million.
He explained that government was convinced that no meaningful socio-economic activity can take place without peace and security, and so needed to enhance patrol and other security operations in the state.
According to him, the trust fund helps in provision of communication gadget, emergency call centre, armor vests and pepper spray in addition to vehicles.
The Executive Secretary of the Fund, Mr Femi Oyedipe, explained that the vehicles were refurbished as a way of encouraging maintenance culture in addition to exorbitant cost of buying new ones.He thanked all the security agencies for cooperating with the state government in its peace and security agenda.
Responding on behalf of all security agencies, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Abiodun Odude, expressed gratitude to Governor Ajimobi for coming to the aid of the command by refurbishing 10 patrol vans.
“We know this is the first phase. This further confirms state government’s understanding of our challenges. We shall ensure that the vehicles are well maintained to make Oyo State safer.”
Heads of the DSS, Air Force and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) attended the presentation ceremony.