Kunle ADELABU
After several years of unsuccessful proposals and attempts to put in place a structure to support various security formations in Ikorodu, especially, the local vigilance group, ‘Onyabo’ Vigilante Group, to tackle the menace of cultism and other criminalities which have pervaded the division, the much anticipated Ikorodu Security Trust Fund (ISTF) has finally berthed.
The initiative is being piloted by Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), a socio-cultural group saddled with the responsibilities of organizing the annual Ikorodu-Oga carnival. .
This was revealed in a release sent to THE IMPACT by the Chairman, IKODASS, Otunba Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru on Sunday.
The release states that the security trust fund is a child of necessity established to tackle the cultism/gang menace that has seen young men killing themselves at will in the community.
According to the release, ISTF became necessary because the Police force lacks capacity while the local vigilance outfit is without support.
“The saying that evil will continue to thrive when good people do nothing is very relevant to the current security situation across Ikorodu town. As at the last count, tens of our able-bodied young men have been cut down in their prime, all in the name of cult/gang wars.
“Residents now sleep with their two eyes wide open! Aparently, the Police, being short-staffed, are overwhelmed while our vigilante, particularly the Onyabo, are handicapped for obvious reasons.
“The Ikorodu Security Trust Fund (ISTF), a brain-child of Ikoodu Oga Development Association (IKODASS), is a child of necessity, inspired by the rising and worrisome state of insecurity around the entire Ikorodu division in recent time.
“This is with a view to stemming the tide and nip in the bud, the problems of insecurity across our various communities and neighbourhoods, through the collaboration of all stakeholders”.
According to the release, the ISTF is established to provide financing/funding support, equipment/mobility support, public enlightenment/sensitization and security training for security formations and residents in Ikorodu while the membership of the trust fund comprises of distinguished individuals, representatives of councils, corporate bodies and security experts.
“Members of the Trust Fund have been carefully composed, to include accomplished individuals with impeccable character and noble antecedents across the community’s LG and LCDAs who are passionate about the peace and security of Ikorodu community as a whole.
“Aditional requirements for membership of ISTF shall be Security experience, native intelligence and financial mobilization/administrative skills.
“For inclusiveness, transparency and effectiveness, members of the Trust Fund will be drawn using the following parameters: community stakeholders, corporate sector representatives, LG/LCDAs representatives and security representative among others”.
The Trust Fund is expected to generate funds through donations from corporate bodies and individuals, organize fund raising among other means.
“Funding for the ISTF shall be raised through donations from Corporate organizations, institutional partners and well-meaning individuals. The ISTF shall also generate innovative ideas and organize fund raising programmes and events to meet its set goals and objectives”.
The Ikorodu Local Government Legislative Arm, during regime of Hon. Jimoh Azeez Olosugbo as Council Leader, had enacted a byelaw on Ikorodu Security Trusts Fund in 2013 after a public hearing organized by the House during the administration of late Alhaji Sheriff Adisa Anipole as the Council Chairman, but the law has not seen the light of the day since then .
The public hearing was attended by representatives of four banks – First bank, United African Bank, defunct Zenith Bank and Union Bank among other corporate organizations in Ikorodu.
There were also other eminent individuals and groups at the public hearing at the Ikorodu Local Government Secretariat hall.
The Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS) under the chairmanship of Otunba (Dr.) Fatai Olukoga also attempted to established a trust fund which also failed.
