Ondo govt seeks residents’, traditional rulers’ support to strengthen security
…reaffirms support for investment drive to boost state’s economy The Ondo state government has urged residents and traditional rulers across the state to support ongoing security reforms aimed at protecting
...reaffirms support for investment drive to boost state's economy
The Ondo state government has urged residents and traditional rulers across the state to support ongoing security reforms aimed at protecting lives and property amid rising security concerns in some communities.
The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, made the appeal while speaking on “Public Square,” a radio programme aired on Adaba 88.9 FM in Akure.
According to him, effective security management requires the active participation of communities, stressing that the government alone cannot successfully tackle emerging security threats without grassroots support.
He therefore called on traditional rulers across the state’s 18 local government areas to work closely with security agencies in addressing breaches and preventing criminal activities.
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Idowu Ajanaku said traditional institutions remain vital partners in maintaining peace and stability at the community level, noting that their influence can help strengthen intelligence gathering and early warning systems.
The commissioner explained that collaboration between community leaders and security agencies would help identify suspicious activities and prevent criminals from establishing networks within local communities.
He noted that although the administration of Lucky Aiyedatiwa has largely maintained peace since assuming office, recent isolated kidnapping incidents have raised concerns among residents.
According to him, preliminary investigations have linked the incidents to criminal networks operating within certain communities.
The commissioner said the state government was intensifying efforts to dismantle the networks through improved intelligence gathering and closer coordination among security agencies.
He assured residents that the government remains committed to strengthening security structures and ensuring that those responsible for criminal acts are brought to justice.
Ajanaku also encouraged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities within their neighbourhoods to security authorities.
He emphasised that timely information from residents often plays a crucial role in preventing crimes and assisting law enforcement agencies in responding quickly to security threats.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s determination to sustain peace and stability across Ondo State while working with communities to address emerging security challenges.
"To curb the trend, the government has introduced restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.," he said.
He reiterated that all commercial motorcycle operators (Okada riders) have been directed to register within two weeks to enable security agencies identify legitimate operators and weed out criminal elements.
Ajanaku also disclosed that the government has begun regulating the activities of "truck pushers, roaming the streets as scavengers in Akure metropolis after investigations linked some members of the group to information leaks that aided criminal operations.
To address the security challenges, the Commissioner added that the current government of Governor Aiyedatiwa has recruitment no fewer than 500 additional personnel into Amotekun Corps in order to strengthen community-based security operations
He explained that the newly recruited operatives have already been deployed to their respective communities to improve intelligence gathering and reinforce the state’s security architecture.
However, Ajanaku also highlighted the various infrastructure, social investment programme being carried out in the state, stressing that the government is also constructing five kilometres of roads in each of the 18 local LGAs and rehabilitating and constructing primary healthcare centres across the state’s 203 wards.
According to him, the government has secured major investment commitments aimed at transforming the state’s economy with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited with the state government for an investment valued at about N50 billion.
He posited that the investment will focus on the proposed Araromi Seaport project, a modular refinery and the Okeluse Cement Factory.
Mr Ajanaku, however, affirmed that the initiatives are part of efforts to transform Ondo from a largely civil service-driven economy into an industrial hub capable of attracting investors and generating employment.
