The Executive Chairman of Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area, Hon. Oluwafemi Odunayo Daniel, has convened a strategic stakeholders’ security meeting aimed at strengthening security measures across the council area, with particular emphasis on the safety and protection of children.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Community Development Committee (CDC), traditional rulers, market leaders, school administrators, teachers, and parents to discuss practical solutions to emerging security concerns within the community.
Speaking at the meeting, the Council Manager, Mrs. Esther Ajose, stressed the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, especially community leaders, to ensure a safer environment for residents. She also urged teachers and school authorities to strengthen supervision of pupils and students during school hours.
The Leader of the House, Hon. Andrew Agbeyangi, called on residents and community leaders to monitor uncompleted buildings and abandoned spaces that could serve as hideouts for criminal activities. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that only recognized and trusted individuals are allowed to pick children from schools.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Yetunde Jimba, expressed concern over the increasing practice of parents entrusting children to commercial motorcycle riders for transportation to and from school. She appealed to parents and teachers to exercise caution and ensure that children are only entrusted to responsible and familiar caregivers.
In his address, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Oluwafemi Odunayo Daniel highlighted the importance of vigilance and collective responsibility in maintaining security. He urged residents, parents, teachers, and security agencies to remain alert and intensify surveillance efforts within their respective environments. He further advised school administrators and teachers to maintain direct contact with Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and other security agencies for prompt reporting of suspicious activities.
The Chairman noted that the safety of children remains a top priority, stressing that both homes and schools must work together to provide secure environments where children can learn and develop without fear.
The Onikate of Ikate Kingdom also called for sustained collaboration between residents and the council in advancing community security. He recommended the reintroduction of a Joint Task Force to enhance security operations and raised concerns about the growing influx of commercial motorcycle riders in areas such as Pako Aguda, urging appropriate regulation to address the situation.
Representatives of security agencies reassured residents of their commitment to safeguarding lives and property. The representative of the Area Commander encouraged residents to remain conscious of their surroundings and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the police.
Similarly, the DSS representative called on community leaders, school owners, teachers, and parents to pay closer attention to the welfare and safety of children, describing them as particularly vulnerable members of society. He urged residents to be observant of unfamiliar persons loitering within neighbourhoods and around schools.
Security agencies further disclosed that surveillance efforts have been intensified, including monitoring public transport operations and conducting security checks in crowded locations and commercial areas to identify and deter criminal activities.
The Education Secretary, Mrs. Idiat Salami, emphasized the critical role of parents in safeguarding children. She urged parents to closely monitor their children’s movements, associations, and activities, noting that effective child safety begins at home.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work together in strengthening security across Itire-Ikate LCDA. Participants agreed that protecting children and maintaining a safe community requires continuous collaboration, vigilance, and active participation from every member of society.