The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, on Monday inaugurated an ultra-modern divisional police headquarters at Eleshin, Ikorodu, Lagos State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that construction of the building was facilitated by Mr Babajimi Benson, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, through the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF).
At the inauguration held at Eleshin, Egbetokun said the building represented a significant milestone in the Nigerian Police Force’s efforts to strengthen security through improved infrastructure, professionalism and community-oriented policing.
He said that the facility was not merely an investment in infrastructure but a strategic investment in public safety, crime prevention and community confidence.
“A conducive and well-equipped environment such as this enhances operational efficiency, improves service delivery, and brings policing closer to the people.
“I commended the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, for successfully executing this laudable project, which aligns with modern policing standards,” he said.
Egbetokun was represented at the event by Mr Dayo Akinbusehin, a Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of investigations at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Lagos.
He urged police officers and men deployed to the division to maintain and protect the facility as a symbol of professionalism and service.
Egbetokun appealed to the host community to continue supporting the police through cooperation and timely information, saying that security remained a shared responsibility.
In his remarks, Benson said that building the headquarters was a step in the right direction as it would reduce crime.
He urged the community to take ownership of the edifice.
Benson thanked President Bola Tinubu for commitment to security reforms and setting up a presidential task force to look into police training centres and ensure welfare of police personnel.
“This edifice, facilitated by my good self, using the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, is very remarkable.
“You see how happy the people are. With security, there will be prosperity; so, it is a step in the right direction,” he said.
The lawmaker assured the community of his continued support.
He promised to facilitate rehabilitation of roads leading to the divisional headquarters.
He also promised to facilitate provision of utility vehicles for the station for seamless operations.
Earlier, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, Executive Secretary, NPTF, said the building marked a significant step in the ongoing efforts to improve police infrastructure and enhance service delivery at the grassroots level.
Sheidu said the project, executed as a special intervention of the NPTF, underscored mandate of NPTF to close critical infrastructure gaps and provide police officers and men with functional, modern and dignifying work environments.
He said that the NPTF would continue to deploy resources that would strategically support police training, infrastructure, equipment and welfare.
“I thank Rep. Benson for his support, advocacy and leadership in ensuring that the successful delivery of this project is here today.
“His commitment to the safety and the well-being of his constituents and to strengthening of security of the whole of Ikorodu is quite commendable.
“I also extend appreciation to the government and the people of Lagos State, the host community, and all stakeholders who have contributed to the completion of this project,” he said.
In his remarks, the Traditional Ruler of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Abdulsemiu Orimadegun, expressed gratitude to the lawmaker and Egbetokun for the building, and appealed for more support to curb crime in the community.
Mr Aro Moshood, who represents Ikorodu Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, appealed to Egbetokun to establish more police formations in the constituency for improved security.
Earlier, Mr Hammid Aroyewun, Chairman Igbogbo Baiyeku Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the implementation of the project.
