Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that the state has over 6,000 personnel drawn from the Amotekun Corps and So-Safe Corps ready to provide the manpower needed for the take-off of its proposed state police command.
Abiodun said the existing security outfits had provided Ogun with a strong operational foundation to establish its own police force, expressing confidence that the initiative would further strengthen the protection of lives and property.
The governor made this known at the weekend during the 50th anniversary celebration of Ereke Day in Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.
He described the Ogun State House of Assembly’s approval of the establishment of state police as a significant milestone in efforts to improve the state’s security architecture.
Abiodun, who chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Committee on State Police Creation and represents President Bola Tinubu in the committee, said Ogun was prepared to translate the initiative into an effective policing structure.
“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,” he said.
The governor stressed that security remained a critical requirement for economic growth and sustainable development, noting that effective collaboration between communities and security agencies was necessary to create a safe environment for residents, businesses and investors.
In a related development, Abiodun commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Ridwan Disu, for their contributions to the rescue of 10 passengers abducted from a commercial vehicle around Orita Fufu, Awa-Ijebu, in Ijebu North-East Local Government Area.
He particularly praised the DSS boss for providing critical intelligence and sophisticated security equipment that helped security operatives track the kidnappers and facilitate the rescue of the victims.
The governor also applauded the Inspector-General of Police for his prompt intervention and directives, which mobilised the Ogun State Police Command and other security agencies to secure the release of the passengers unharmed.
Abiodun warned that his administration would not allow criminal elements to turn any part of the state into a safe haven, assuring residents that the government was intensifying efforts to tackle kidnapping and other security threats.
“No criminal element will be allowed to turn any part of Ogun State into a safe haven,” he declared.
Meanwhile, the governor directed the immediate reconstruction of the Delabo-Ikenne Road, saying the project would improve accessibility, boost economic activities and strengthen connectivity within the community.
Speaking on the 50th anniversary of Ereke Day, Abiodun described the golden jubilee as a significant milestone reflecting the unity, shared heritage and collective determination of the people of Ikenne.
“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.
He commended the traditional rulers and the Ikenne Traditional Council of Chiefs for their leadership and commitment to preserving the community’s unity and promoting development.
The governor also praised the Ikenne Community Development Association for mobilising the people’s human, intellectual and financial resources towards addressing the developmental needs of the area.
According to him, Ereke Day has grown beyond an annual cultural celebration into a platform for intellectual engagement, institutional development, infrastructure advancement and the preservation of the community’s heritage.
” It is a powerful demonstration of what a united and purposeful community can accomplish,” he added.
Abiodun, who described Ikenne as a community of historical importance to Ogun State and Nigeria, recalled its association with prominent national figures, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo and renowned educationist, Dr Tai Solarin.
He said their contributions to education, democratic governance and national development remained enduring legacies.
The governor disclosed that his administration had constructed and rehabilitated more than 1,700 kilometres of roads across the state, including over 40 roads in Remoland.
He said the interventions were aimed at improving connectivity, opening up rural communities and stimulating economic activities.
Abiodun also cautioned youths against allowing themselves to be used by politicians to foment trouble ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“No political ambition is worth the peace of our community, and no temporary inducement is worth sacrificing your future,” he warned.
He urged young people to embrace political maturity, patriotism and responsible participation in the electoral process, stressing that elections should be determined by ideas, credible leadership and performance rather than violence, intimidation or destruction.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Kunle Soname, described Abiodun as a worthy son of Remoland and commended his administration for its interventions in Ikenne, particularly the donation of a 500KVA transformer and reconstruction of Awolowo Road.
Soname assured the governor of the continued support of the people of Ikenne and Remoland for his administration.
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