We Need To Strengthen Neighbourhood Watch In Ikorodu —Gbadebo, Chairmanship Aspirant

Prince Oluwafemi Gbadebo, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member in Ikorodu, Lagos State, said the Neighbourhood Watchers in the area need to be further strengthened to curb the activities of criminals in the area.

Gbadebo, who is eyeing the Ikorodu Local Government Chairmanship position, spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in the area on Wednesday.

Crimes such as kidnapping and illegal bunkering, among others, have been rampant in Ikorodu, with some residents of areas close to the creeks in the area relocating due to activities of militants.

The development led to security agencies deploying special teams to the area to enhance safety of lives and property.

Gbadebo told NAN that strengthening the Neighbourhood Watch would help to complement the efforts of the police and military in the area, and nip activities of criminal elements in the bud.

He said he looked forward to flying the flag of the APC in the forthcoming local government election and emerging chairman in the council in order to contribute his bit in the area.

“If given the mandate, I will equip the Neighbourhood Watch within the community to curb criminal acts,’’ the aspirant said.

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, had in March launched the rebranded Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, to complement efforts of the police and strengthen security in the state.

He presented the corps with 177 salon cars and vehicles equipped with communication gadgets, 377 motorcycles, 377 helmets, 4,000 bicycles and metal detectors, among other operational equipment.

Gbadebo, 39, who is one of the eight APC aspirants to slug it out in the party’s primaries, also said the youth needed to be given more opportunities to affect their environment positively.

“As a youth that has been exposed to youth development and has held various positions in my community, my experience and exposure will give me an edge over others.

“Survey has shown in some other countries that the youth changed their economy,’’ he said.

Gbadebo who is the past chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos chapter, said that if voted in as the chairman, he would not only focus on the youth but also elders in the community.

He also promised to reform the education and health sectors within the local government and improve the state of roads within his jurisdiction if he achieved his dream.

(NAN)