Governor says security agencies provide strong manpower base for state policing; orders immediate reconstruction of Delabo-Ikenne Road
IKENNE, OGUN STATE — Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has declared that the state is adequately prepared for the establishment of its own police force, revealing that more than 6,000 personnel of the Ogun State Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, and the So-Safe Corps are available to provide an experienced manpower base for the proposed security arrangement.
The governor said the existing security structures had positioned Ogun State to effectively implement state policing, strengthen its security architecture and improve the protection of lives and property across the state.
Abiodun made the disclosure at the weekend during the 50th anniversary celebration of Ereke Day in Ikenne, Ikenne Local Government Area, where he described the approval of state police by the Ogun State House of Assembly as a significant milestone in the state's efforts to enhance security and promote sustainable development.
According to the governor, the state has already developed a solid security foundation through its existing security agencies, which would make the transition to a state police system more effective.
Abiodun, who chairs the Nigeria Governors' Forum Committee on State Police Creation and represents President Bola Tinubu in the committee, expressed confidence that Ogun State would be among the states adequately prepared to implement the proposed policing arrangement.
He said the combination of Amotekun and So-Safe Corps personnel would provide the necessary human resources and operational experience to support the establishment of the Ogun State Police Command.
“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 proud to announce that the Ogun State House of Assembly has approved the creation of State Police.
“Between Amotekun and So-Safe Corps, we have over 6,000 personnel. We are ready for the Ogun State Police Command, and that will make the difference in protecting the lives and property of our people,” the governor said.
STATE POLICING TO STRENGTHEN SECURITY
Abiodun stressed that security remained one of the most critical foundations for economic growth, investment and sustainable development, noting that no meaningful progress could be achieved without a peaceful and secure environment.
He explained that the proposed state police system would provide an opportunity to strengthen security operations through improved local capacity, closer collaboration with communities and more effective responses to security challenges.
The governor also emphasised the importance of cooperation between residents, traditional institutions, community leaders and security agencies in maintaining peace and preventing criminal activities.
He said the protection of lives and property was a collective responsibility that required the active participation of all stakeholders, adding that government remained committed to creating an environment where residents, businesses and investors could operate without fear.
The governor's remarks came as Nigeria's state police proposal advanced through the constitutional amendment process, with 28 state legislatures having approved the measure as of November 3, according to the National Assembly.
Abiodun's declaration, however, focused on Ogun State's existing security manpower and its preparedness to implement the proposed arrangement.
ABIODUN ORDERS IMMEDIATE RECONSTRUCTION OF DELABO-IKENNE ROAD
In a related development, the governor directed the immediate reconstruction of the Delabo-Ikenne Road, promising that the project would improve transportation, facilitate economic activities and enhance connectivity within the community.
He said the road intervention would address the transportation needs of residents while providing improved access for businesses, commuters and other road users.
The governor noted that infrastructure development remained a major component of his administration's commitment to improving the quality of life of residents and opening up communities for economic growth.
He added that improved road networks would strengthen the movement of people and goods, promote commercial activities and support the development of rural communities.
EREKE DAY AT 50: ABIODUN CELEBRATES IKENNE'S UNITY AND HERITAGE
Speaking on the golden jubilee celebration of Ereke Day, Abiodun described the 50-year milestone as a remarkable achievement that reflected the unity, shared heritage and collective determination of the people of Ikenne.
He said the celebration represented the enduring strength of the community's cultural identity and the commitment of successive generations to preserving their history while working towards a better future.
“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,” he said.
The governor commended the traditional rulers and the Ikenne Traditional Council of Chiefs for their leadership, wisdom and continued efforts to preserve the unity of the community.
He also congratulated the people of Ikenne for sustaining Ereke Day for five decades, describing the achievement as evidence of the foresight of their forefathers, the sacrifices of successive generations and the enduring strength of their communal spirit.
According to him, the annual celebration has grown beyond a cultural gathering into an important platform for intellectual engagement, institutional development, infrastructure advancement and the preservation of the community's heritage.
“Ereke Day represents much more than an annual cultural gathering. It is a powerful demonstration of what a united and purposeful community can accomplish,” Abiodun added.
GOVERNOR COMMENDS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
The governor praised the Ikenne Community Development Association for mobilising the human, intellectual and financial resources of the people to address the developmental needs of the community.
He said government had a responsibility to provide leadership, create an enabling environment and support development initiatives, but stressed that sustainable progress could only be achieved through active community participation and ownership.
Abiodun urged residents, indigenes and stakeholders to continue working together to identify development priorities and contribute meaningfully towards the advancement of their ancestral community.
He noted that the collective efforts of community members were essential to building lasting infrastructure, improving social welfare and preserving the cultural values of the people.
The governor described Ikenne as a community of considerable historical significance to Ogun State and Nigeria, recalling its association with prominent national figures, including the late sage, 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.
Abiodun added that the community's development initiatives demonstrated the importance of collective action in creating valuable assets that would benefit present and future generations.
OGUN HAS CONSTRUCTED OVER 1,700KM OF ROADS
The governor further disclosed that his administration had constructed and rehabilitated more than 1,700 kilometres of roads across Ogun State, including over 40 roads in Remoland.
He said the road projects were part of efforts to improve connectivity, open up rural communities, stimulate economic activities and enhance access to essential services.
According to him, the administration remained committed to infrastructure development as a major driver of economic growth and improved living conditions.
Abiodun maintained that peace and security were indispensable to development, stressing that no society could achieve meaningful progress in an atmosphere of insecurity.
He said the government's investments in infrastructure and security were aimed at creating an environment where residents could pursue their economic and social aspirations.
ABIODUN WARNS YOUTHS AGAINST POLITICAL VIOLENCE
The governor also called on young people in Ikenne to shun political violence and resist attempts by politicians to manipulate them ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He warned that political ambitions should not be allowed to destroy the peace, unity and future of the community.
“No political ambition is worth the peace of our community, and no temporary inducement is worth sacrificing your future,” he cautioned.
Abiodun urged the youths to embrace political maturity, patriotism and responsible civic participation, stressing that elections should be driven by ideas, credible leadership, performance and issue-based engagements.
He said political activities must not be characterised by violence, intimidation, destruction of property or actions capable of undermining peaceful coexistence.
The governor encouraged young people to contribute positively to the democratic process by supporting peaceful campaigns, engaging in constructive political discussions and making informed choices during elections.
He further appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals and Ikenne indigenes in the diaspora to sustain their contributions to the development of their ancestral community.
SONAME COMMENDS ABIODUN'S DEVELOPMENTAL INTERVENTIONS
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Kunle Soname, described Abiodun as a true son of Remoland and commended his administration for its contributions to the development of Ikenne.
Soname specifically acknowledged the governor's donation of a 500KVA transformer and the reconstruction of Awolowo Road, among other interventions aimed at improving infrastructure and supporting the community.
He said the projects had demonstrated the administration's commitment to addressing the developmental needs of Ikenne and improving the welfare of its residents.
The chairman also assured Abiodun of the continued support of the people of Ikenne and Remoland for his administration.
The 50th anniversary celebration of Ereke Day brought together community leaders, traditional rulers, indigenes and other stakeholders to celebrate the history, unity and developmental achievements of Ikenne while reaffirming their commitment to the continued growth of the community.
