…Calls for Greater Community Vigilance, Commends Makinde’s Security Efforts
The Executive Chairman of Ibadan Northwest Local Government, Alhaji Abdulrahman Olanrewaju Adepoju, has reaffirmed that security remains the foundation upon which sustainable development, economic growth, and social stability are built, stressing that no community can achieve meaningful progress in an atmosphere of fear, insecurity, and uncertainty.
Adepoju made the assertion on Wednesday during the Ibadan Northwest Local Government Security Stakeholders’ Summit held at the Council Secretariat, Onireke, Ibadan.
According to a statement issued by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit of the local government, Ramat Alade, the chairman emphasized that safeguarding lives and property should not be left solely in the hands of security agencies, but must be embraced as a collective responsibility involving government, community leaders, parents, religious institutions, and residents.
Speaking at the summit, Adepoju expressed concern over the growing security challenges confronting parts of the country, including incidents of kidnapping, violent attacks, and other criminal activities.
He particularly referenced the abduction of pupils and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in tackling insecurity.
“Security is the bedrock of meaningful development. No society can attain its full potential where fear and insecurity prevail. The recent cases of kidnapping and attacks on innocent citizens underscore the urgent need for collective action and increased vigilance,” he stated.
The council chairman sympathized with the families of the victims of the Orire abduction and prayed for the safe return of all those still in captivity. He also commended the efforts of the Oyo State Government and security agencies for their commitment to addressing the situation and ensuring the safety of residents across the state.
Adepoju lauded the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde for its sustained commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that the government has continued to prioritize security as a critical component of governance and development.
He also praised various security agencies operating within the state for their professionalism, resilience, and sacrifices in maintaining peace and public order.
The chairman assured stakeholders that his administration would continue to provide necessary support and logistics to security agencies whenever required, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement authorities.
In his remarks, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Hon. Abayomi Fagbenro, commended the local government chairman for organizing the summit, describing it as a timely initiative aimed at strengthening community-based security mechanisms.
Fagbenro assured participants that the state government remains committed to ensuring the safety of residents and is working closely with relevant security agencies to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire Local Government Area.
He emphasized that Governor Makinde’s administration would continue to invest in security architecture and intelligence gathering to safeguard communities across Oyo State.
Security experts at the summit called on residents to play a more active role in crime prevention by promptly reporting suspicious activities and movements within their neighborhoods.
The representative of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku, CSP Rotimi Ogundipe, and the Area Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Area Command I, ACC Sanda Ajibola, stressed that timely information remains one of the most effective tools in combating crime and criminality.
They urged residents to remain security conscious and maintain close collaboration with security agencies to prevent threats before they escalate.
Community leaders, traditional rulers, market representatives, youth groups, artisans, and other stakeholders who participated in the summit commended Adepoju for his proactive approach to security management.
They praised the chairman for creating a platform that encourages dialogue, cooperation, and information sharing among critical stakeholders.
The participants also acknowledged the administration’s efforts in promoting peace, strengthening community engagement, and supporting security agencies within the local government area.
While expressing confidence in the council’s commitment to public safety, they appealed for additional support and resources to further enhance the operational capacity of security agencies working within the local government.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA), Mrs. Omolara Ladepo, appreciated the security experts and stakeholders for honouring the invitation and sharing their expertise on contemporary security challenges.
She expressed optimism that the recommendations and resolutions emerging from the summit would contribute significantly to strengthening security consciousness, fostering peaceful coexistence, and promoting community development across Ibadan Northwest.
The summit ended with a renewed commitment by government officials, security agencies, community leaders, and residents to work collectively towards addressing security challenges and ensuring that Ibadan Northwest remains a peaceful, secure, and prosperous local government area.
Among dignitaries present at the summit were the Vice Chairman of Ibadan Northwest Local Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Abiodun Omotosho; the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Hon. Abayomi Fagbenro; Dr. Remi Ayodele; Alhaji Ishola Labule; Hon. Gbemileke Nelson; the Local Government Secretary, Mrs. Sarah Shobowale; and the Baale of Onireke, Alhaji Fatai Arè.
Others included councillors, supervisory councillors, special assistants, traditional rulers, community and opinion leaders, market women, representatives of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), the Park Management System (PMS), artisans, student bodies, political stakeholders, religious leaders, representatives of security agencies, management and staff of Ibadan Northwest Local Government, as well as officials from Okebadan North LCDA.
The gathering underscored the growing consensus that effective security requires a whole-of-society approach, where government institutions and citizens work hand in hand to protect communities and foster sustainable development.
