Aiyedatiwa reaffirms commitment to security, charges new ASPs on duty

…urges officers to uphold Omolúàbí values, be good ambassadors of Ondo

…ASPs pledge discipline, integrity, respect for human rights

By Tolulope Eniola

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the security of lives and property, declaring that his government places a high premium on maintaining order, security and the rule of law across the state.

Aiyedatiwa stated this on Tuesday when he received newly commissioned Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs), Regular Course 7, who are indigenes of Ondo State, at the Governor’s Office in Akure.

The governor stressed that security remained a fundamental responsibility of government, noting that his administration would continue to work closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to safeguard the people and create an environment conducive to development.

He said the commitment was reflected in the ‘O’ component of the administration’s seven-point OUR EASE agenda, which represents Order, Security and Rule of Law.

According to him, the government strongly believes that the safety and well-being of the people, as well as the protection of lives and property, are central to its mandate.

Aiyedatiwa said the duties of the newly commissioned officers were directly connected to this responsibility, as law enforcement and maintenance of public order remained critical to the peace and stability of the society.

He described policing as a noble profession because of its role in maintaining order, protecting lives and property and upholding the rule of law.

The governor congratulated the officers on their successful training and commissioning, urging them to remain committed, disciplined and focused in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He urged them to uphold the character and values they acquired during their training, reminding them of the homes and communities from which they came.

Aiyedatiwa charged the officers to uphold the Omolúàbí values associated with good character, integrity and responsibility, urging them to be good ambassadors of Ondo State and their respective local governments wherever they were posted.

He reminded them that their conduct in service would not only reflect on them individually but also on their families and the state.

The governor also encouraged the officers to make use of the educational opportunities provided by their training, noting that their university degrees would remain valuable beyond their careers in the police force.

He further disclosed that the state policing law would soon be signed, adding that the development would strengthen the state’s security architecture.

Aiyedatiwa said although it was uncertain where the officers would eventually serve, he would be pleased to receive them back in Ondo State if they returned following the implementation of the law.

He wished the officers success in their respective places of posting, urging them to approach their duties with dedication and a strong sense of responsibility.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the State Coordinator of the course, ASP Abayomi Alli, said the newly commissioned officers had pledged to uphold discipline, integrity and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties.

Alli said their visit was to formally identify with the leadership and people of Ondo State and express appreciation to the governor for receiving them.

He described policing as a call to service and a commitment to protect lives and property, uphold the rule of law and maintain public order.

According to him, the officers were conscious of the responsibilities attached to the police uniform and the confidence reposed in them by the Nigeria Police Force and members of the public.

He said they had resolved to approach their careers with discipline, loyalty, courage and accountability, while respecting the fundamental rights of citizens.

Alli also stressed the need for continuous collaboration among the police, state government, other security agencies and communities, noting that effective security required cooperation, timely intelligence, professionalism and mutual trust.

He said the officers were encouraged by the governor’s continued emphasis on security and protection of lives and property, assuring that they would contribute positively to the security and development of their respective communities.

In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; and members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. MoyinOlorun Ogunwumiju, representing Ondo West Constituency 1; Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa, representing Okitipupa Constituency 1; and Hon. Suleiman Murtala, representing Akoko South-East.

Others were the Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr. Leye Akinola; Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Johnson Alabi; Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowunmi Isaac; Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural and Community Development, Hon. Ade Adeniyi; and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Chief Olugbenga Atiba.