ABIODUN WELCOMES NEW OGUN POLICE COMMISSIONER, URGES FOR SAFETY DURING YULETIDE SEASON
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has urged security agencies in the state to devise and enforce efficient measures to guarantee the protection of lives and property throughout the festive season.
The governor made this request on Thursday when he welcomed the new Commissioner of Police for the Ogun State Command, Mr. Lanre Ogunlowo, during a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
āAs we approach the yuletide period, we all know that this period comes with its challenges. Those who are bent on carrying out nefarious activities, the get-rich-quick schemes, will also get a bit desperate,ā Abiodun remarked.
āSo, I want to admonish you to please develop or design strategies to ensure that this yuletide period is peaceful for everyone, allowing us to celebrate and enjoy with our eyes closed and not have to worry about the breakdown of law and order.ā
The governor emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration to maintain the stateās security, adding that Ogunās geographical locationābordering four states and an international frontierācreates unique security challenges.
He highlighted steps taken by his administration to bolster security, including the revitalisation of the State Security Trust Fund, which has equipped security agencies with modern tools and logistics.
āLike they say, you cannot have any socio-economic development in an atmosphere of insecurity. You can build all the roads, all the airports, and seaports, but if there is an atmosphere of insecurity, or even if there is a perception of insecurity, nobody will come to that state,ā Abiodun noted.
Abiodun also commended the Inspector General of Police for deploying a seasoned officer to Ogun and equipping the Command with two Armoured Personnel Carriers, expressing confidence in the new Commissionerās ability to tackle challenges, including cultism prevalent in certain areas of the state.
In response, the new Commissioner of Police pledged to enhance the existing security framework and ensure the safety of Ogun residents during the festive season and beyond.
āI have a good team on the ground. As I said, I will improve on what I met on the ground. Before I left yesterday, I had a conversation with our anti-cultism unit, and we have some strategies in place,ā Ogunlowo stated.
He assured that the Command would work closely with the state government, other security agencies, and community stakeholders to address security issues, particularly during the yuletide.
āWe will engage all stakeholders; we know we canāt do it alone, but weāve got the wherewithal to deal with it,ā he added.
Ogunlowo urged residents to support the police and other security agencies in maintaining peace and order, advising, āLetās enjoy the season; letās be careful; letās respect the rights of others.
āWe want peace; criminals should stay away and let the people of Ogun State enjoy the moment. We will be on the ground for that.ā
Abiodun Alamutu, the former Ogun Commissioner of Police, retired on Monday, 9 December 2024, concluding a 35-year career with the Nigeria Police Force.