Osinbajo says FG eager to strengthen military, security agencies’ capacities

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the recent supplementary budget sent to the National Assembly is part of Federal Government’s efforts to enhance the capacity of the military and other security agencies.

The vice president said that the Federal Government was beefing up its response to the nation’s security challenges.
Osinbajo’s spokesman Laolu Akande said the vice president gave the hint when he received on a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Oluyin of Iyin- Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele were also present at the meeting.
Osinbajo said that traditional rulers, local and state governments must also collaborate with the Federal Government in tackling insecurity.
“The president has recently constituted a committee that will look at the whole security infrastructure with a view to looking at the needs of the military as well as the police and security agencies.
“The result of that is a bill before the National Assembly, a supplementary bill.
“The purpose of that bill is to present some of the needs of the military, as well as of security agencies in order to be able to beef up our response to the security challenges.
“We have to keep looking at how to support our security services to ensure that our country is safe.
“I can assure you that soon the issue of insecurity will be a thing of the past, and that we will all live in peace and prosperity in this country.”

According to Osinbajo, the Federal Government is very concerned and will continue to ramp up efforts toward improving security nationwide.
He added that community efforts were also vital in tackling the issue from the roots.
“There is no question at all that at the level of community we need to take decisive action, because most of these things occur in our community level.

“And I’m very happy to hear that you have a committee organised for the purpose of tackling insecurity and that you’ve been able to contain the menace that we see in different parts of the country in your community.
“Any country with this number of security challenges must respond as robustly as possible.

“But it is also important to bear in mind that it takes a combined effort of all of us, at the local government level, state and federal levels; all of the levels.
“We need to come together to tackle this issue of insecurity.”

Osinbajo added that the Federal Government would provide necessary support to the community in tackling its challenges.
According to him, the Federal Government is also working with the Ekiti State government on dealing with insecurity as well as various issues.

In his remarks, Ajakaiye thanked the vice president for granting his delegation audience and listening to their demands, including support for the establishment of a Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in the community.

“Again, as a community, we have come to appreciate you for your diligence, hard work, commitment and loyalty; and that, we from the South West, are very proud of you.
“We want to assure you that we are very much in support of you.

“From our own end, we are doing a lot to ensure that the menace of insecurity will not remain in our domain,” he said. (NAN)