By Hon. Moyosoreoluwa Olamilekan Eldreez, member GSM Advocates
….security of lives and property is one of the bedrock for any development in a country or state.
Since 29th May, 2019 when the Peoples Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde FNSE assumed the seat as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, his commitment to bolstering security measures in Oyo State is commendable. By providing essential infrastructure for security operatives, he is actively working towards creating a safer environment for residents and attracting investors. It’s important to prioritize security to ensure the well-being and prosperity of the state.
This includes operational vehicles, walkie-talkies, steel helmets, bulletproof jackets, combat boots, and other crucial security equipment. Notably, the establishment of the southwestern security network, codenamed AMOTEKUN, on January 9th, 2020, marked a pivotal moment. Governor Makinde, in collaboration with other Southwest governors, championed this initiative, successfully launching it in Ibadan, the political hub of Nigeria.
The swift legislative action was exemplified when a bill, initiated in 2019 by the Oyo State Government, was signed into law on March 10th, 2020, by Governor Makinde.
Makinde’s visionary leadership became evident as he promptly implemented measures for the urgent recruitment of 1,500 AMOTEKUN members, deployed across all 33 Local Government areas of Oyo State. Recognizing the need for enhanced security, an additional 500 members were later recruited.
In the past years, the administration invested in various security measures, including:Brand new operational vehicles of about 550 for the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, DSS, ‘Operation Burst,’ and AMOTEKUN. Establishment of a security post at the Oyo-Ogun border along Mamu Village, Ijebu-Ibadan, Creation of an additional Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron at Ago-Are in Atisbo South West LCDA, Deployment of Army officers to Oyo State Forest Reserves for a Forward Operation Base, Implementation of the Safe School initiative, incorporating security cameras in secondary schools, Provision of communication equipment for operational vehicles and personnel, Security personnel stationed at exit and entry points across the state, Renovation of dilapidated and burnt-down police stations, Financial support for welfare and running costs, Monthly servicing of patrol vehicles, Allowances for officers on patrol and pin-down duties, Increment of ration allowance extended to all security agencies, accommodation provision for security commanders from agencies like NDLEA, NSCDC, and Nigeria Immigration.
The commitment to security is further demonstrated through the donation of 58 hectares of land and N500 million for the establishment of an Air Force Base in Ajia Egbeda LG Ibadan. Governor Makinde’s administration has also provided various vehicles to security agencies, including Hilux Pick-Up Vans, Kia Rio cars, JAC Pick-Up Vans, Mikano Pick-Up Vans, and Dial Auto Pick-Up Vans. Beneficiaries include the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps, Nigerian Correctional Service, Oyo State Road Traffic Management Agency (OYTMA), Operation Burst, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Customs Service, NDLEA, and Nigeria Immigration Service.
HISTORY MAKING GOVERNOR Seyi Makinde HAS DONE IT AGAIN
On 10th January 2024, Oyo Governor handed over another additional 100 Kia Rio operational vehicles equipped with communication gadgets to security agencies in Oyo State including the Police, ‘Operation Burst,’ DSS, Correctional Service and Oyo Amotekun. He also presented vehicles to the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA). This is an addition to already 550 being handed over from 2019 to date to make 650 in total. With this, Makinde had made history and centered Oyo State to be the most safe for all.
Gov. Makinde assured the security agencies in Oyo State that his administration will continue to support them with the equipment they need to do their jobs as well as ensuring that their welfare is prioritised. He also thanked them for their contributions towards securing our dear State.
These comprehensive efforts revealed Governor Makinde’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Oyo State. It is through such commitment and initiatives that the state can thrive and attract more investments.
