Speeches

Launching Of LASG Bell 412 EP Helicopters

Dec 7, 2009 - Today would go down in history as another milestone in our efforts to deliver on our electoral promises to Lagos citizens, especially, in ensuring the security of life and property of our people, as well as, provide the enabling environment that will protect and help the investments of individuals and corporate citizens in Lagos to grow and prosper.

Security is a most expensive venture but it is our primary responsibility. The cost of insecurity manifests itself in so many forms; loss of lives, widowed women, orphaned children, loss of limbs, disable men and women and a devastation of a society’s otherwise productive human resource.

Wherever there is insecurity, poverty will certainly thrive as there will inevitably be human resource and financial capital flight. We reject the notion that this will ever happen in our State.

That is why in spite of our successes, we remain committed to increased investment such as these helicopters, to increase capacity, encourage best practices and inspire security agencies with the most efficient tools of their trade.

Section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution provides that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of Government”. The Government of Lagos appreciates this responsibility and does not take it lightly.

This is why we set up a Security Trust Fund by a law of the Lagos State House of Assembly. This is why we have procured emergency response numbers 767 and 112; this is why we have increased our fleet of ambulances; this is why we have provided water tankers to accompany fire engines; this is why we have embarked on a Statewide training programme to invest as many citizens with life saving skills in emergencies under our Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation Programme that has graduated over 500 (five hundred) people who now live in our State as first responders in cases of emergency. This is why we are providing street lights at night in spite of the challenges of doings so.

Our Local Governments appreciate the importance of this responsibility and have contributed 114 vehicles to support our police patrol.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, our investments in security have been beneficial. It has delivered a 79.9% reduction in violent crimes; we are recording successes in apprehending and bringing criminals to justices.

A night economy is growing in support of a vibrant day-time economy that is providing jobs and reducing desperate conditions that lead to criminal activities in our society.

In spite of all these, we will never be satisfied. We know that there is no crime free society, but we understand that crime and crime patterns are very fluid and we are resolved to stay ahead of the competition.

We will outspend, outrun and overwhelm the competition that criminals offer. We want to be the first to arrive when emergencies occur with all the capacity to deal with them and save lives.

This is why we made the investment in these machines, to give us the capacity to monitor traffic, pursue criminals, fight fire and evacuate people promptly when accidents happen.

These BELL 412 EP Helicopters, is another success story of our administration, not only to complement the efforts of the police and security operatives on land but also to enhance the provision of emergency services, search and rescue operations, surveillance and ambulance services. They will provide a bird’s eye view of security activities that will make law enforcement predictable, swift and efficient.

Our choice of the Bell 412 EP was informed by its multi faceted platform which allows it to be utilized in several functions such as paramilitary, civil and utility roles.

These particular helicopters are specially and uniquely configured to be used in fire fighting, emergency services, search and rescue, air ambulance, and airborne surveillance roles.

The Bell 412 is a tried and tested helicopter currently being used by several government agencies all over the world e.g, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia, Air Ambulance Company of Victoria (Australia), the Queensland Department of Community Safety, the Police of Czechs, the Finish Border Guard, Los Angeles County Fire Department, New York City Police Department, Chicago Fire Department and the Government of Bahrain that recently purchased 6 Bell Helicopters among others.

These two helicopters exceed the standard Bell 412 prototypes. At our request they have been fitted with 31 extra options to give them versatility of multi faceted use for which we require them.

Each of the helicopters has the latest Airborne systems, as well as, interoperable communications means, including search lights and radios which will allow easy communication both with the police and other agencies on the ground. Other features such as long range, rupture-resistant auxiliary fuel tanks, jettison able crew doors, sturdy construction, dual redundant electrical and many more would provide a sure complement to vehicles on the ground to curb and reduce crimes.

As I conclude, let me say, and I say this with every sense of responsibility and modesty, that we are indeed very proud to lead the way again through this launch today as the first State to provide this kind of unique social service in this country.

We thank all Lagosians, especially, our friends and partners for your support in helping us to provide the kind of governance that touches every aspect of the people’s lives, and in this project of building the model mega city.

The operation and management of these helicopters will still be within the purview of our PPP in collaboration with Caverton Helicopters to ensure that operation costs are met and that all safety and regulatory issues as stipulated by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority are complied with.

We would also continue to work and encourage more private participation in governance through the PPP initiative to support us in our aspiration to provide quality and sustainable infrastructure befitting a global megacity.

We also appeal to all residents to continue to faithfully discharge their own side of the social contract so that we can continue to give the service that you have elected us to render.

It is on this note, ladies and gentlemen, that I have the pleasure to launch the LASG Bell 412 EP helicopters to the glory of God and to make life safer, secured and prosperous for our citizens.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Eko o ni baje o!

Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Governor of Lagos State