Golden Laurel for Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan while Championing People-centers Policing for a Safer Africa
Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, a prominent member of the Board of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), recently garnered more accolade for his tireless efforts in security advocacy. At the 18th Africa Security Watch Awards and Conference, held at the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha, Qatar, Dr. Ogunsan was honoured with the Golden Star Award for Security & Safety Advocacy in West Africa. While this coveted award celebrated his outstanding contributions to promoting innovative security solutions and enhancing public safety through strategic partnerships and proactive governance, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that it was however his lecture, titled “Emplacement of People-Oriented Policing for Security and Development in Africa”, that gave policymakers, security experts, and development stakeholders across the continent an insight into what makes Lagos secure
Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan’s pivotal role as a prominent member of the Board of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), has been instrumental in reshaping Lagos State’s security landscape. The LSSTF, established to bridge critical funding gaps in the state’s security apparatus, has become a model of success in public-private partnership-driven security initiatives.
The fund has implemented several landmark projects, from equipping law enforcement agencies to fostering community engagement in crime prevention.
At the 18th Africa Security Watch Awards and Conference, held last December at the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha, Qatar, Dr. Ogunsan’s immense contribution was honoured with the Golden Star Award for Security & Safety Advocacy in West Africa.
The Need for People-Oriented Policing in Africa
In addition to receiving this distinguished accolade, Dr Ogunsan was invited to deliver a lecture at the conference, where he shared his insights on innovative approaches to policing in Africa. His lecture, titled “Emplacement of People-Oriented Policing for Security and Development in Africa”, was a highlight of the event, drawing acclaim from policymakers, security experts, and development stakeholders across the continent.
Dr Ogunsan began his lecture by identifying the urgent need for a shift in policing strategies across Africa. He pointed out that traditional enforcement-driven models of policing, often characterised by authoritarian practices and limited citizen engagement, have failed to address the root causes of crime. Instead, they have contributed to a growing trust deficit between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
He argued that people-oriented policing offers a more sustainable solution by fostering collaboration between security agencies and the public. This approach emphasises transparency, accountability, and community involvement, ensuring that security strategies are tailored to meet local needs. By placing citizens at the centre of security initiatives, people-oriented policing can help build trust, improve crime reporting, and address underlying social issues contributing to criminal behaviour.
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund: A Success Story
As a case study of people-oriented policing in action, Dr Ogunsan highlighted the remarkable achievements of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF). Since its inception, the LSSTF has adopted a multi-stakeholder approach, mobilising resources from the government, corporate organisations, and private citizens to support law enforcement efforts. This innovative model has enabled Lagos State to enhance the operational capacity of its security agencies significantly.
Key achievements of the LSSTF include the provision of thousands of patrol vehicles, body armour, and communication equipment to the police. Additionally, the Fund’s commitment to transparency and accountability has inspired sustained support from stakeholders, making it a reliable partner in security management. According to Dr Ogunsan, the LSSTF’s success underscores the importance of resource mobilisation, stakeholder collaboration, and good governance in improving security outcomes.
Public-Private Partnerships and Community Engagement
Dr Ogunsan stressed that one of the most critical lessons from the LSSTF is the power of public-private partnerships (PPPs). He noted that the security challenges facing many African nations are too complex to be addressed by government alone. By leveraging private sector resources and expertise, governments can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their security systems.
He also underscored the importance of community engagement in security planning. Through open consultations, town hall meetings, and citizen feedback mechanisms, the LSSTF has ensured that its interventions align with the specific needs of the community. This inclusive approach has not only improved security outcomes but also strengthened public trust in law enforcement.
Preventive Advocacy: The Role of POCACOV
In addition to his work with the LSSTF, Dr Ogunsan serves as Chairman of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) in Lagos State. He described POCACOV as a preventive advocacy initiative aimed at addressing social vices such as cultism, youth violence, and drug abuse. Through awareness campaigns in schools and communities, POCACOV seeks to educate young people about the dangers of crime and provide them with positive alternatives.
Dr Ogunsan highlighted the importance of rehabilitation programmes for at-risk youth. By offering vocational training, mentorship, and other support services, these programmes can help vulnerable individuals build productive lives and contribute positively to society. He urged other African countries to adopt similar preventive strategies, noting that addressing the root causes of crime is more effective than relying solely on punitive measures.
Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Security
Another critical theme of Dr Ogunsan’s lecture was the role of technology in modern policing. He commended Lagos State for its innovative use of digital platforms, such as the Citizens Gate App, which allows residents to report crimes in real time. He also highlighted the integration of surveillance tools, drones, and CCTV systems in the state’s security operations.
Dr Ogunsan called on African governments to invest in modern policing tools and digital infrastructure to enhance crime prevention and response capabilities. He noted that technology not only improves operational efficiency but also enables law enforcement agencies to adopt intelligence-driven approaches to policing.
Global Best Practices in Community Policing
To provide a broader perspective, Dr Ogunsan juxtaposed the Lagos State experience with international models of community policing. He cited Japan’s Koban system, which involves small neighbourhood police stations that foster close ties with local residents, and the U.S. Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) programme, which focuses on building partnerships between police and communities.
Dr Ogunsan emphasised that while each country’s approach must be tailored to its unique context, the underlying principles of community engagement, decentralisation, and cultural competence are universally applicable. He urged African policymakers to learn from these global best practices and adapt them to local realities.
Strategic Recommendations for Africa
In his concluding remarks, Dr Ogunsan offered several strategic recommendations for advancing people-oriented policing in Africa including to Build Trust through Accountability by establishing independent oversight bodies to investigate police misconduct and ensure transparency in law enforcement operations.
He also harped on Leveraging Technology by Expanding the use of digital platforms for crime reporting and equip law enforcement agencies with modern tools, including drones and surveillance systems; adopting Inclusive Security Policies by ensuring that marginalised groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, are actively involved in security planning and decision-making; and Strengthening Legal Frameworks by mandating community policing as a core function of law enforcement agencies and provide adequate training to officers on people-oriented policing principles.
A Call to Action
Dr Ogunsan concluded his lecture with a powerful call to action. He urged African leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to move beyond dialogue and take concrete steps towards implementing people-oriented policing models. He emphasised that ensuring the safety and security of citizens is not only a prerequisite for development but also a moral imperative for any responsible government.
By adopting collaborative, accountable, and innovative approaches to policing, he said Africa can create a secure environment that fosters sustainable development and prosperity. Dr Ogunsan’s lecture was a clarion call for a new era of security governance in Africa—one that places people at the heart of every strategy and decision.
As participants at the conference reflected on Dr Ogunsan’s insights, there was a shared recognition that the time for action is now. With visionary leaders like Dr Ogunsan championing the cause, the continent is well-positioned to chart a new course towards lasting peace and security.
