We’ll remain steadfast in providing resources for effective security operations – Gov Aiyedatiwa

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing resources, logistics, training and welfare required for effective security operations in the State.

 

The Governor made this emphasis on Monday, at the inauguration of the Amotekun command and control centre, the training auditorium and the maiden Annual General Meeting of the Amotekun Corps cooperative organisation held at the corps headquarters, Alagbaka.

He noted that the facilities represent a major step forward in strengthening the State’s security architecture and enhancing the operational efficiency of the gallant officers.

According to him, the command and Control Centre stands as the nerve hub of intelligence coordination, rapid response and strategic field deployment of any security outfit like Amotekun Corps.

He commended the leadership of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, under Adeleye, for the foresight and dedication in bringing the project to reality.

“We acknowledge the unique and remarkable sacrifice made by the Corps towards initiating and birthing the construction of the project. I want to assure you that the government will consider providing appropriate support in recognition of this laudable effort”.

 

The Governor applauded the tremendous and unwavering working relationship and synergy that exist among the various security agencies in the State which have gone a long way in stabilising security in the State and in the process making Ondo State one of the most peaceful states in the country.

“Equally important is the Training Auditorium, which we are also inaugurating today. The significance of knowledge and discipline in contemporary security operations cannot be overemphasised. They are as important as physical strength.

“While practical fieldwork is conducted in designated forest areas, the theoretical and tactical training; where sensitive information and operational doctrines are discussed, must take place in a secure, controlled and purpose-built environment. This training auditorium provides exactly that. I am pleased to affirm that funds were promptly released for its construction, underscoring our unwavering commitment to the professional development and welfare of officers of Amotekun Corps”.

“As we celebrate these achievements, it is pertinent that we honour the vision of our late leader and my predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, whose courage and ingenuity, together with his colleagues in the South-West, led to the birth of the Amotekun Corps. His legacy of security innovation continues to guide us.

“Let me assure you all that our administration is committed to sustaining and deepening the widely acknowledged gains of the Corps. It is in this regard that few days ago, I gave approval for the recruitment of additional 500 personnel into the Amotekun Corps to strengthen it more with a view to providing adequate security for the good people of Ondo State.

“It is important for us to see security governance as the business of every citizen, a continuous journey and we as a government will remain steadfast in providing resources, logistics, training and welfare required for effective operations. The protection of lives and property of our people forms a pivotal fulcrum of our administration as encapsulated in “OUR EASE” Policy Thrust.

“To the cooperative members, let me remind you that your unity and commitment have transformed a modest idea into a thriving institution. I encourage others to join and take advantage of this platform for financial discipline and future stability.

“As we inaugurate these projects and declare open the Corp’s AGM, I charge the leadership of the Corps and the cooperative to continually maintain high standards of transparency, professionalism and innovation. May today mark a new chapter of efficiency, growth and excellence for the Amotekun Corps”.

He empathised that no amount of blackmail will make him sack Amotekun Commander.

 

Earlier in his address, the State Commander of Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye noted that the cooperative was a product of deliberate establishment to promote the welfare of the officers and men through savings, credit schemes, and investment platforms and also to foster economic empowerment that goes beyond the uniform they wear and to create a system where dignity in service is matched with dignity in living.

He also recognised the extraordinary vision, courage, and patriotism of late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, whose under his purposeful leadership that the Amotekun Corps was conceived, nurtured, and launched as a beacon of hope for the South-West and a symbol of grassroots security architecture.

He also appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa who took the torch of leadership and chose not to dim it, but to shine it even brighter. “Through your unwavering support, be in the provision of logistics, training, welfare, or institutional backing, you have shown the entire nation that governance is not an act of ego but a voyage of continuity.

“You have stood with the Corps, believed in the cooperative initiative, and provided the enabling environment for us to thrive. Amotekun enhanced salary package assisted us to build stronger financial base, new salary one of the highest paid Amotekun in the South West.

 

Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the governor, noting that the peace in the state is anchored on the administration’s support for security agencies. He promised continued cooperation among agencies to maintain peace.

NSCDC State Commandant, Oluyemi Ibiloye, congratulated the governor on the appointment of security agency officials as Justices of the Peace and praised the strong synergy among security agencies, welcoming the 500 new recruits to further strengthen the state’s security.

State Director of the Department of State Services, Samaila Sagiru (fsi+), also lauded the governor’s support, describing it as commendable.

The event concluded with the presentation of a souvenir to Governor Aiyedatiwa by the APC Owo community.

In attendance are Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Member representing Akure North Constituency, Hon. Kolawole Ologede; traditional rulers; religious leaders; heads of security agencies; and political appointees.