By our Reporter
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has said the state is prepared for the establishment of its own police force, disclosing that more than 6,000 personnel of the Ogun State Security Network, known as Amotekun, and the So-Safe Corps are available to provide the manpower required.
Abiodun, who disclosed this at the weekend, said the state had already established a strong security foundation that would facilitate the transition to state policing and strengthen the protection of lives and property.
The governor spoke at the 50th anniversary celebration of Ereke Day in Ikenne Local Government Area, where he described the Ogun State House of Assembly’s approval of state police as a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen 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, expressed confidence that Ogun was well-positioned 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 effective security was fundamental to economic growth and sustainable development, adding that collaboration between communities and security agencies was essential to creating a safe environment for residents, businesses and investors.
In a related development, Abiodun directed the immediate reconstruction of the Delabo-Ikenne Road, saying the project would improve accessibility, facilitate economic activities and strengthen connectivity within the community.
Speaking on the golden jubilee of Ereke Day, the governor described the 50-year celebration as a testament to 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 traditional rulers and the Ikenne Traditional Council of Chiefs for their leadership and commitment to preserving the community’s unity and promoting development.
Abiodun also congratulated the people of Ikenne for sustaining the celebration over five decades, describing it as evidence of the foresight of their forefathers, the sacrifices of successive generations and the strength of their communal spirit.
He noted that Ereke Day had evolved beyond an annual cultural gathering into a platform for intellectual engagement, institutional development, infrastructure advancement and the preservation of the community’s heritage.
The governor also 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 sustainable development required active community participation and ownership, noting that government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of building thriving communities.
Describing Ikenne as a community of historical significance to Ogun State and Nigeria, Abiodun recalled its association with prominent national figures, including the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and renowned educationist, Dr Tai Solarin, whose contributions to education, democratic governance and national development remain enduring legacies.
On infrastructure, the governor disclosed that his administration had constructed and rehabilitated more than 1,700 kilometres of roads across Ogun State, including over 40 roads in Remoland, to improve connectivity, open up rural communities and stimulate economic activities.
He reiterated that peace and security were indispensable to development, warning that no society could achieve meaningful progress in an atmosphere of insecurity.
Abiodun also urged youths in Ikenne to shun political violence and resist attempts by politicians to manipulate them 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 cautioned.
He urged young people to embrace political maturity, patriotism and responsible civic participation, stressing that elections should be driven by ideas, credible leadership, performance and issue-based engagements rather than violence, intimidation or destruction.
The governor 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.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Kunle Soname, described Abiodun as a true son of Remoland and commended his administration’s interventions in Ikenne, particularly the donation of a 500KVA transformer and the reconstruction of Awolowo Road.
Soname assured the governor of the continued support of the people of Ikenne and Remoland for his administration.
