Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State inaugurated the Board of Directors of the State Security Network and Amotekun Corps on Monday, as part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen the corps for a performance optimal.
The Nigerian News Agency (NAN) reports that the inauguration, which took place in the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s office, was held by Brigadier-General. Kunle Togun (rtd.) As chairman of the board, with Colonel Olayinka Olayanju (rtd.) As commander.
The council also has Ms. Enitan Akinbode as secretary, while the police commissioner, the commander of the NSCDC, the representative of the armed forces, the executive secretary of the State Security Trust Fund and the executive assistant of the governor for security matters are members.
The board of directors also includes representatives from the three senatorial districts of the state, with Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Oladapo Oyediran, representing the traditional council of the state.
In his remarks, Makinde said the inauguration of the board would reinforce more visible actions to secure the state.
This, he also said, would foster better relations between Amotekun in the state and its counterparts in neighboring states of Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti.
According to him, one of the reasons for establishing Amotekun in the state is to bring security agents closer to the people.
Makinde said that since the currently requested state policing is a constitutional issue and an important task, Amotekun will continue to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies to protect lives and property across the state.
He noted that despite the visible challenges Amotekun staff faced, they had succeeded in filling the local police void.
The governor called on those who politicize the issue of state security to rethink and join his administration in its task of meeting the challenges.
He pledged that his government would continue to take the issue of the security of life and property seriously, so that people could go about their rightful business without fear.
Makinde further hinted that very soon his government would inform the people of the state about the new security measures put in place.
He urged the general public to give full support to the security officers, stressing that the issue of security is a collective responsibility.
“The issue of security is not that of the governor or the government alone. Everyone must play their part, ”said the governor.
NAN reports that Deputy Governor Alhaji Rauf Olaniyan, State Government Secretary Ms. Olubamiwo Adeosun, commissioners and other senior government officials attended the inauguration.
