25th October, 2010
Development, Prince Lanre Balogun has defended the inclusion of old men in the grassroots security outfit, Neighbourhood Watch, NW, saying the outfit cannot work with only young people.
Balogun spoke when his ministry honoured 72-year old Action Congress of Nigeria,  Vice Chairman, Lagos State, Sakiru Seriki.
Seriki was decorated with the NW uniform, thus, making him a NW ambassador for his contribution to development of grassroots security in Lagos State, southwest Nigeria.
According to Balogun, the old men were brought into the NW outfit because of their experience in grassroots security which the younger ones lack, stressing that there was no way they could be done away with as far as grassroots security is concerned.
He stated that when the old men in the outfit bring their experience to bear in the outfit, it would help the younger members of NW to gain useful experience in grassroots security, adding that the younger ones were often sent to provide security in offices and disaster zones.
The commissioner, however, said the NW had helped a lot in creating employment opportunities for able bodiaed youths and had, to a very large extent, reduced the number of unemployed graduates and school leavers in the state.
“It has helped in bringing back the lost glory of yester-years in Lagos State in the area of security and safety of lives and property.  Neighbourhood Watch has taken the bull by the horn by leading the crusade to curb crime in Lagos State,†he said.
The commissioner stated that the support granted to the outfit by Governor Babatunde Fashola had been very encouraging and deeply reflected in the commitment of the administration in fostering impactful development in the security outfit.
He added that the outfit had been complementing the efforts of the police in the area of ensuring adequate security in the state.
“In some states, the banks have refused to open due to insecurity.  Our Neigbourhood Watch has been able to link up with the police to curb crime in the state,†he said.
Commenting on the honour accorded him, Seriki said he never expected it, adding that he had been able to contribute his quota towards the development of grassroots security, while he dedicated the award to the people of Epe.
