Ogun ready for state police with 6,000 personnel – Abiodun

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said the state is adequately prepared for the establishment of its own police force, disclosing that more than 6,000 personnel drawn from the Ogun State Security Network, also known as Amotekun, and the So-Safe Corps are available to provide the manpower for the proposed outfit.

Amotekun and the So-Safe Corps are state-established security agencies created to complement the operations of federal security agencies, including the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the military.

In a statement on Sunday, Abiodun said the existing security structures had provided the state with a solid foundation for the transition to state policing, expressing confidence that the initiative, when fully implemented, would significantly strengthen the protection of lives and property.

The governor reportedly made the declaration on Saturday during the 50th anniversary celebration of Ereke Day in Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.

He described the approval of state police by the Ogun State House of Assembly as a breakthrough in the state’s efforts to strengthen its security architecture, adding that his administration was ready to translate the initiative into a functional and effective policing system.

Abiodun, who chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Committee on State Police Creation and represents President Bola Tinubu on the committee, said Ogun had taken important steps towards making state policing a reality.

He said, “I am the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum on State Police Creation and the representative of the President in the Governors’ Forum on State Police Creation. I am particularly proud to announce that the Ogun State House of Assembly has approved the creation of State Police.

“Between Amotekun and the So-Safe Corps, we have over 6,000 personnel. These are people who have been part of our security arrangements and have acquired experience in protecting our communities.

“We are ready for the Ogun State Police Command, and I believe that this will make a significant difference in our ability to protect the lives and property of our people.”

The governor maintained that security was critical to economic prosperity, noting that meaningful development could not take place in an atmosphere of fear, violence and uncertainty.

He stressed the need for stronger cooperation between communities and security agencies, saying collective responsibility was essential to creating a peaceful environment in which residents, businesses and investors could thrive.

Abiodun also ordered the immediate reconstruction of the Delabo-Ikenne Road, assuring residents that the project would improve accessibility, boost commercial activities and strengthen connectivity within the community.

Speaking on the golden jubilee celebration of Ereke Day, the governor described the 50-year milestone as a remarkable achievement that reflected the unity, shared heritage and enduring communal values of the people of Ikenne.

He said, “Fifty years is very remarkable in the tradition and history of any people. It speaks to a united and common heritage, shared values and a collective determination to build a better future.

“It is also a celebration of the foresight of our forefathers, the sacrifices of those who came before us and the commitment of successive generations to preserve the identity of this community while working towards a more prosperous future.”

He commended the traditional rulers and the Ikenne Traditional Council of Chiefs for their leadership, wisdom and dedication to maintaining peace, unity and development in the community.

Abiodun said although the government had a responsibility to provide leadership, infrastructure and an enabling environment, sustainable development could only be achieved when communities actively participated in identifying and executing projects that directly affected their lives.

Describing Ikenne as a community of considerable historical importance to Ogun State and Nigeria, he recalled its association with prominent national figures, including the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and renowned educationist, Dr Tai Solarin.

He said their contributions to education, democratic governance and national development remained enduring legacies that should inspire younger generations to pursue excellence and contribute meaningfully to society.

The governor, however, cautioned that infrastructural development and economic growth could not be sustained without peace and security.

He appealed to youths in Ikenne to resist attempts by politicians to use them to foment trouble ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that political violence could undermine the community’s development.

He said, “No political ambition is worth the peace of our community, and no temporary inducement is worth sacrificing your future. Our young people must not allow themselves to become instruments of violence or political manipulation.

“Politics should be about ideas, credible leadership, performance and the ability to present workable solutions to the challenges confronting our people. Elections should be an opportunity for citizens to make informed choices, not a season of intimidation, destruction and needless confrontation.

“I, therefore, urge our youths to embrace political maturity, patriotism and responsible civic participation. The future of this community is far more important than the temporary interests of any individual or political group.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Kunle Soname, described Abiodun as a worthy son of Remoland, commending his administration for its interventions in Ikenne and other parts of the region.

Soname specifically acknowledged the governor’s donation of a 500KVA transformer and the reconstruction of Awolowo Road, among other projects, saying the interventions had improved the lives of residents.

He assured Abiodun of the continued support and cooperation of the people of Ikenne and Remoland for his administration.