“Security Is Everyone’s Responsibility; All Hands Must Be on Deck” — Ewekoro Council Chairman
EWEKORO, OGUN STATE — The Executive Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Adesina, has called for increased vigilance, timely sharing of security intelligence and stronger collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to sustain peace and protect lives and property across the council area.
Adesina made the call during a Peace and Security Meeting held at the Local Government Secretariat, Itori, where he stressed that the responsibility for maintaining peace and preventing crime could not be left solely to government and security agencies.
The council boss commended security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders for their contributions to maintaining peace and tranquillity in Ewekoro, while urging them to intensify their efforts.
He particularly called on the leadership of the Community Development Committee (CDC) and Community Development Associations (CDAs) to mobilise residents to become more security-conscious and provide credible information to the appropriate authorities whenever suspicious activities or potential threats are identified.
“Everybody must play their role in securing our communities. We should not leave the responsibility to government and security agencies alone. However, we must exercise restraint and act responsibly in our efforts to maintain peace,” Adesina said.
The chairman warned residents against withholding vital security information until situations deteriorate, stressing that early reporting could help security agencies prevent threats before they escalate.
“We must not wait until a situation gets worse before reporting it to the relevant authorities. Timely information is essential to preventing threats and nipping security challenges in the bud,” he added.
Warning Against Using Politics to Shield Criminality
Adesina also addressed the issue of violence during electioneering periods, cautioning residents against attributing every incident of violence automatically to political rivalry.
According to him, some individuals may attempt to exploit political campaigns and activities as a cover for settling personal disputes or engaging in criminal conduct.
He therefore urged residents to remain vigilant before, during and after elections, and to distinguish legitimate political activities from criminal behaviour.
The council chairman maintained that political affiliation should not be allowed to shield individuals involved in criminal activities, calling on residents and community leaders to report suspicious conduct to the appropriate security authorities.
Council Promises Support for Security Agencies
In response to requests from security agencies at the meeting, Adesina pledged the administration’s continued support for improved security operations and service delivery within Ewekoro Local Government.
He promised to provide office accommodation for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Itori Command, to facilitate the establishment of a driver’s licence registration centre.
The initiative, he explained, would help reduce the difficulties residents currently face in accessing driver’s licence-related services.
The chairman also assured the FRSC and Amotekun Corps of the council’s commitment to providing motorcycles to strengthen their operational capacity and improve their ability to respond to security and road-safety challenges.
He further pledged that the Local Government’s ambulance would be made available to the FRSC whenever its services were required.
Olu of Itori Commends Adesina
Speaking at the meeting, the Olu of Itori, Oba (Dr.) Abdul-Fatai Akorede Akamo, commended the council chairman for what he described as remarkable developmental strides in Ewekoro Local Government.
The traditional ruler declared: “Of all the chairmen that have governed this Local Government, there has never been any chairman like ESKAY in terms of performance.”
Oba Akorede also commended security agencies operating in the area for their professionalism and policing efforts, urging them to sustain their commitment to protecting lives and property.
The monarch equally praised Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, for the administration’s infrastructural and economic development initiatives, particularly projects aimed at strengthening Ogun State’s position as an industrial hub.
He specifically referenced the airport and other major projects as significant contributions to the development of the state.
Stakeholders Review Security Situation
The meeting provided an opportunity for representatives of various security agencies and members of the security committee to present reports on the security situation within their respective areas.
Discussions focused on existing security challenges, intelligence sharing, community vigilance and ways of strengthening cooperation among government authorities, security agencies, traditional institutions and residents.
In his vote of thanks, the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Aladeselu Adewale (JP), expressed appreciation to the Olu of Itori for attending the meeting despite his busy schedule.
He also thanked the various security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders for their participation, soliciting their continued cooperation and support towards maintaining peace across Ewekoro.
Those in attendance included the Vice Chairman, Alhaja Abisola Nurat Aliyu; Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Aladeselu Adewale (JP); Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs. Adeyemo Nurat Taiwo; Director of General Services and Administration, Mr. Amusa Afolabi; and the Olu of Itori, Oba (Dr.) Abdul-Fatai Akorede Akamo.
Representatives of the security agencies included ASP Dada Olaiya, representing the Divisional Police Officer, Itori; ASP Rorayo Sakirat, representing the DPO, Obada-Oko; ASP Olanrewaju Sunday of Immigration; CRC Samuel B. Golo of the Federal Road Safety Corps; Mrs. Akin Sola Susan of the Amotekun Corps; and Akan-an-John of So-Safe Corps.
Also present were the Grand Chief Imam of Ewekoro Local Government, Chief Imam Adebayo Lawal; Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Solomon J. Alabi; Chairman, Zonal Community Development Committee, Prophet Opeoluwa Success; Dalemo Olusola Samson, representing the Chairman of the Baales’ Forum; Mr. Muili Idris, the recorder; and members of the information crew.
The meeting ultimately reaffirmed Ewekoro Local Government’s commitment to a collective approach to security, with stakeholders agreeing on the importance of timely intelligence sharing, community vigilance and sustained collaboration to safeguard lives and property across the council area.
