The Oyo State House of Assembly has engaged key stakeholders in the security sector to design ways to improve the state’s security surveillance as part of efforts to consolidate on the reigning peace and tranquility.
The security summit, held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan, was attended by representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Soun of Ogbomoso. Also in attendance were representatives of security chiefs in the state, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, State Security Service, NSCDC, Immigration, and Customs Services.
Other traditional rulers present were the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Aseyin of Iseyin, Okere of Saki, and Onpetu of Ijeruland. The summit was also attended by members of vigilante and hunters associations.
The summit was convened to engage key players and gather firsthand information on challenges and recommendations on enhancing the state’s security architecture.
Declaring the summit open, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, said it was to inform policy formulation and provide guidance to the executive on security matters.
The Speaker, represented by the House Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, assured that all submissions would be valued and contribute to the next level of policy engagement and advice to the executive.
The host and chairman of the Committee on Security and Strategy, Hon. Razaq Mabaje, in his welcome address, called for a united front to address the rising cases of banditry and kidnapping, noting that challenges posed by insecurity are no respecter of persons.
The lawmaker, who represents the Ido State constituency, disclosed that the summit was in fulfillment of the constitutional mandate of the State Assembly to oversee security governance in Oyo State.
”The security challenges confronting our state, including kidnapping, banditry, cultism, and farmer-herder conflicts, require more than isolated responses. They demand coordinated action, frank dialogue, and shared accountability among all stakeholders,” he said.
In his remark, Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his executive adviser on security matters, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd.), said the present administration prioritized security and had invested heavily to ensure support for the security agencies.
Odukoya assured that the state government would not relent in its efforts to ensure that the people of the state sleep with their two eyes closed, despite its investments in patrol vehicles, security aid equipment, and facilities to boost the morale of security personnel.
He called for improved intelligence-gathering methods from security agencies rather than relying solely on modern technology integration to curb insecurity and criminality.
Traditional rulers commended Governor Seyi Makinde for prioritizing security and supporting security agencies. They called for integrating local hunters and vigilante groups into the state security architecture for effective community policing.
They highlighted gray areas where urgent action was needed and called for the integration of local hunters and vigilante groups into the state security architecture for effective community policing.
Security agencies applauded the governor and called for more support in terms of technological integration in policing, including surveillance tools and crime mapping. They also emphasized community engagement and collaboration with local security organizations.
Other lawmakers at the summit include Hon. Dele Adeola, Hon. Sunkanmi Babalola, Hon. Olusola Owolabi, Hon. Dahud Olalere, and Hon. Peter Ojedokun. Also in attendance were the Clerk of the House, Barr. Adenike Taiwo Muraina-Akinola, and Deputy Clerk Legal, Mrs. Aderonke Ogundeji.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
