The Executive Chairman of Ibadan Northwest Local Government, Alhaji Abdulrahman Olanrewaju Adepoju, has reiterated that security remains the bedrock of meaningful development, stressing that no society can attain its full potential in an atmosphere of fear, insecurity, and uncertainty.
He made this assertion at the Ibadan Northwest Local Government Security Stakeholders’ Summit held at the Council Secretariat, Onireke, Ibadan.
According to the Council Boss, security is not the sole responsibility of security agencies alone but a collective duty that requires the active participation of every member of society. He noted that the recent incidents of kidnapping and attacks on innocent citizens in different parts of the country, including the unfortunate abduction of pupils and their teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, serve as painful reminders of the urgent need for collective action.
The Chairman, on behalf of the residents of Ibadan Northwest Local Government, sympathized with the families of the victims and commended the efforts of the Oyo State Government and security agencies in addressing the situation. He prayed for the safety, protection, and speedy reunification of all the victims with their loved ones.
Alhaji Adepoju also applauded the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, for his unwavering commitment to the security of lives and property across the state. He equally commended the various security agencies for their professionalism, dedication, and sacrifices in maintaining peace and order.
The Chairman assured stakeholders that his administration remains committed to supporting security agencies with the necessary logistics whenever the need arises, while urging parents, guardians, community leaders, and security personnel not to relent in the discharge of their responsibilities.
In his remarks, the Senior Special Adviser to His Excellency on Security Matters, Hon. Abayomi Fagbenro, commended the Executive Chairman for convening the summit. He assured participants that Governor Makinde and his administration are working tirelessly to secure the lives and property of citizens, particularly towards ensuring the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire Local Government Area.
In their separate presentations, the representative of Deputy Commissioner of Police SCID, Iyaganku CspRotimi Ogundipe and the Area Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Area Command I, Acc Sanda Ajibola encouraged residents to remain security conscious and cultivate the habit of promptly reporting suspicious movements and unusual activities within their communities to the appropriate authorities.
The stakeholders, in their separate remarks, commended the Executive Chairman for his proactive approach to security matters and for creating a platform for dialogue and collaboration. They acknowledged his administration’s efforts in fostering peace, strengthening community engagement, and supporting security agencies within the council area. They further appealed to the Chairman to consider additional requests from the security agencies to enhance their operations and ensure peaceful coexistence in the local government and the state at large.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA), Mrs. Omolara Ladepo, expressed appreciation to the security experts for honouring the invitation and for their readiness to share their wealth of knowledge and professional expertise for the betterment of the citizenry. She noted that the insights and recommendations from the summit would go a long way in strengthening security consciousness and promoting peaceful coexistence within the local government area.
The summit concluded with a renewed resolve among stakeholders to work collaboratively in addressing security challenges and ensuring that Ibadan Northwest Local Government remains a safe, peaceful, and prosperous community for all.
Among dignitaries present at the summit were the Vice Chairman, 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 Baale Onireke, Alh Fatai Arè.
Others in attendance included the Assistant Secretary, Hajia Bola Ladeji; Councillors; Supervisory Councillors; Special Assistants; Traditional Rulers; Community and Opinion Leaders, Market women, Representatives of OPC, PMS, Artisans, Nigeria Students,Political Stalwarts, Religious Leaders, representatives of various Security Agencies, Management and Staff of Ibadan Northwest Local Government and Okebadan North LCDA led by the Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs. Omolara Ladepo.
