The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has distributed 100 operational vehicles to security agencies in the state for enhanced operations and for the take-off of state police.

The vehicles were handed over to heads of security agencies at a ceremony held at the Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House Grounds, Ado-Ekiti, to strengthen security surveillance, improve operational mobility and enhance protection of lives and property.

Speaking at the event, Governor Oyebanji said the initiative was another fulfilment of his administration’s commitment to strengthening the security architecture of the state, adding that security of lives and property remains a major priority.

He said the vehicles were provided to enhance operations and mobility of security personnel, as well as support the eventual take-off of state police.

The governor recalled that his administration had, two years ago, distributed patrol vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, bulletproof vests, helmets and other equipment to security agencies.

He said the latest provision was aimed at further improving security operations through increased patrols, strategic visibility, faster response to distress calls and greater operational efficiency.

Oyebanji assured the security agencies of continued support, including regular financial assistance and strengthening of state-owned security institutions.

He commended them for their sacrifices and collaborative efforts in maintaining peace, urging them to remain vigilant and professional, particularly as the state approaches political activities and elections.

Oyebanji charged them to make proper use of the vehicles and warned against unprofessional conduct and poor maintenance.

He urged the intelligence community to maximise surveillance technology and called for greater collaboration among agencies, stressing that no agency should operate in isolation.

The governor urged residents to support the Federal Government and the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 presidential election, saying continued support for President Bola Tinubu would enable the state sustain its development programmes.

“Since our assumption in office, we have shown serious commitment to the security of our citizens, and this has led to the selection of the state, not once, not twice, not thrice, as the most secured state in the country.

“There is no doubt that a recurring demand from security agencies, both federal and state, is the provision of vehicles to increase mobility and enhance operational efficiency,” said Oyebanji.

“While we have continued to meet this demand at different levels before now, today’s occasion is a broader step to confront this need and to express our commitment to ensure that Ekiti remains the most peaceful state in the country, as it should.

“Two years ago, we also distributed patrol vehicles. We have hosted armoured personnel carriers, bulletproof vests, helmets, and other security equipment to our security agencies.

“Lined up here are 100 units of security vehicles, primarily for operations and mobility of your personnel and the eventual take-off of the state police outfit. This is in addition to a new initiative in the security sector in the state.

“Apart from the vehicles we are providing today, our administration will continue to support the security agencies with all necessary resources that are important to their work. We remain committed to our regular monthly financial support to all the agencies, and we also increase the capacity of our state-owned security institutions,” he added.

The governor commended all the security outfits in Ekiti State for their sacrifices and collaborative efforts that have resulted in the peace enjoyed in the state.

“More importantly, I want to urge the security apparatus to remain vigilant, alert and gallant at all times. As we move towards our inauguration ceremony next month and elections in another four months to come, all hands must be on deck to ensure that Ekiti State continues to remain safe and secure,” the governor said.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. With the provision of these vehicles, I will want to see increased patrols, strategic visibility, faster response, and spontaneous agility on the part of your men.

“I want to also implore the intelligence community in the state to avail themselves of the surveillance technological assets available in the state. Agencies must not work in silos, but collaboratively in the interest of our collective security.” (Channels TV)